Arab-Islamic summit in Doha warns of risks to regional security

Leaders from the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and 22-member Arab League met in Doha on Monday, concentrating on the impact of recent attacks on Qatar and the wider Middle East, and calling for coordinated measures to preserve stability and support ongoing mediation efforts.

Participants emphasised that lasting peace requires respecting international mediation efforts and addressing the Gaza conflict, calling for adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant United Nations resolutions. They also urged the international community, including the UN Security Council, to set a clear timetable for ending the occupation and to take urgent action to halt attacks.

Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani condemned the recent bombing in Doha. He warned that such actions threaten negotiations aimed at ending the Gaza conflict and called for the protection of the city’s sovereignty.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov expressed support for Qatar’s sovereignty and mediation role, highlighting the need to revive talks in Gaza and achieve a durable ceasefire. He noted Azerbaijan’s humanitarian contributions, including $2 million in aid to Palestine since 2023, alongside education and health projects, and reiterated support for a two-state solution.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the attack as unacceptable and reaffirmed Türkiye’s backing for Qatar’s mediation efforts. He pledged to strengthen bilateral ties with Doha, particularly in defence and security.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pledged to review the organisation’s defence posture and activate “joint defence mechanisms and Gulf deterrent capabilities.” The GCC, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, affirmed full solidarity with Qatar and condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

Observers noted the absence of statements from the Abraham Accords signatories — the UAE, Bahrain, and Morocco — and that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did not address the summit, falling short of expectations from several Arab capitals and Palestinian representatives.

The summit also voiced support for ongoing mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

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