The visit of His Excellency Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam, the Syrian Vice President, to Doha this morning is of great importance both in terms of bilateral relations between Qatar and Syria and in terms of political issues that will be discussed during the talks with the distinguished guest in Doha.
Khaddam is scheduled to arrive at Doha International Airport at around 10 am this morning. According to information from Al-Raya, he will proceed directly to the Amiri Diwan to meet with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The Amir is expected to convey a message from His Excellency Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad. Following that, Khaddam will hold official talks with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince.
In statements to Al-Raya, His Excellency Mr. Hadab Ibrahim, the current Syrian Ambassador to Doha, highlighted that the primary purpose of Mr. Abdel Halim Khaddam’s visit is to strengthen and enhance the bilateral relations between Doha and Damascus. These relations have been greatly bolstered by the frequent mutual visits between His Highness the Amir and His Excellency President Bashar Al-Assad, which have become one of the most significant aspects of their development.
He explained that the discussions between the Syrian Vice President and senior Qatari officials in this context will focus on activating the implementation of the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed between the two countries. These agreements cover various areas such as economic cooperation, investment protection and promotion, avoidance of double taxation, healthcare, cultural and educational cooperation, as well as employment regulations. Additionally, there is a memorandum of understanding for political coordination between the Qatari Foreign Ministries and Syria.
There is no doubt that Khaddam’s visit to Doha is part of Damascus’ current efforts to activate the peace process regarding the Syrian situation. When asked about the significance of this matter in the Vice President’s talks in Doha, Ambassador Hattar Ibrahim emphasized its importance, particularly in light of Qatar’s support for Syrian positions, which His Highness the Amir has expressed in recent official speeches and statements. The Amir consistently emphasizes the legitimate rights of Arab nations in Palestine, the Golan Heights, and the Lebanese Shebaa Farms. It is explained that the Vice President will present to the Qatari leadership Damascus’ vision for the possibility of resuming negotiations with the Israeli side based on national and international parameters. It is pointed out that Syria has chosen peace as a strategic option for almost 12 years and is committed to achieving it. However, the Israeli government, as the opposing party, continues to create obstacles and challenges.
According to information from Al-Raya, the Syrian position, contrary to certain parties’ attempts to promote otherwise, is open to the possibility of resuming negotiations with the Israeli side from the point where they left off years ago. This would be in accordance with the principles of a just and comprehensive peace in the region, based on the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions, particularly resolutions 242 and 338, and the complete withdrawal of Israel from all occupied Arab territories. The aim is to resume negotiations from the point where they stopped in January 2000.
The discussion of developments related to the Syrian track during the talks in Doha with Khaddam is part of the broader context of the central Arab issue, which is the question of Palestine, as highlighted by Ambassador Attard. This is particularly significant considering the repercussions of Arafat’s departure and the upcoming elections on January 9 to select a new Palestinian leadership.
The Iraqi file will also be included in the agenda of Khaddam’s talks in Doha, given that Syria is an important neighboring country to Iraq. In this context, the two sides will evaluate the outcomes of the recent Sharm el-Sheikh conference and the meeting of interior ministers from neighboring countries that took place in Tehran. Considering the visit’s importance, Mr. Khaddam will deliver a lecture on the current Arab situation at Qatar University in Ibn Khaldoun Hall at 10 am tomorrow, Monday.
