Qatar doesn’t meddle in affairs of other countries, says GCO

[Deeq A.]

Qatar’s foreign policy has always been one of creating stability and prosperity and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign countries, the Government Communications Office (GCO) on Tuesday said.

Referring to the comments of a Qatari national published by the New York Times, the GCO stressed that the person is not, and has never been, an adviser of any sort to the Government of Qatar.

In a statement on Tuesday, 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 adviser 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 said though it asked for the recordings from the New York Times to support its investigation into the allegations, the US daily did not grant the request due to their editorial policies. “The GCO respects the policies of the New York Times and will not be taking further action in this regard,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Isse Awad said he agreed with Qatar’s statement which refuted a story carried by the New York Times which alleged complicity in Bosaso attack back in May.

“Somalia is satisfied with Qatar’s statement” he confirmed in an interview with journalist Harun Maruf,” HE Lolwah Alkhater, the spokesperson of Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a tweet.

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