Somalia important partner of Qatar: GCO response to New York Times article

Saalax · July 23, 2019

23 Jul 2019 - 15:21

QNA
Doha: The Government Communications Office (GCO) of the State of Qatar said that Qatar's foreign policy has always been one of creating stability and prosperity and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries, stressing that the Qatari national, who the New York Times quoted, is not, and has never been, an advisor of any sort to the government of the State of Qatar.

In a statement today, the GCO said: "The State of Qatar's foreign policy has always been one of creating stability and prosperity - we do not meddle in the internal affairs of sovereign countries. Anybody doing so is not acting on behalf of our government. In Somalia, the UAE has pursued a foreign policy that seeks to manipulate and control, in exchange for financial support.

"Khalifa al Muhannadi is not, and has never been, an advisor of any sort to the government of the State of Qatar. He does not represent the State of Qatar and he had no right to comment on behalf of the government. We will be investigating this individual and he will be held responsible for his comments, which we reiterated do not represent our principles.

"Somalia is an important partner for the State of Qatar, but we do not interfere in their internal affairs. Our relationship with Somalia is built on mutual respect and shared interests. We hope for the best for its government and its people. Our support to them will continue till stability in maintained.

"The GCO requested the recordings from the New York Times to support its investigation into the allegations. Due to their editorial policies, this request has not been granted. The GCO respects the policies of the New York Times and will not be taking further action in this regard."