FM heads to Russia to discuss Ukraine crisis

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani will visit Moscow to discuss Ukraine crisis.
This was confirmed by Adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari.
He said the Sheikh Mohammed will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov on Monday.
Al Ansari pointed out that the FM will stress during his talks with the Russian side that a peaceful solution is the only way to end this crisis, and will stress the need for concerted efforts to resolve it urgently in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of international law.
In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Al Ansari said this visit comes at a critical stage of crisis in Ukraine. During the visit, there will be a discussion on the latest developments in the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve this crisis.
He stressed that Qatar is seeking to support the existing international efforts to provide the necessary conditions for a peaceful solution to the crisis.
He pointed out that the visit comes after phone calls between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Ministers of Russia and Ukraine, in addition to discussions held during the FM’s visit to a number of European cities.
Earlier on Sunday, the FM held a phone call with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.
During the call, they reviewed the latest developments in the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.
The FM reiterated Qatar’s call on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve the dispute through constructive dialogue and diplomatic methods and to settle international disputes by peaceful means, and not to take steps that would lead to further escalation. The FM stressed the need to ensure the safety of civilians and consider this a top priority.
The FM also affirmed Qatar’s position and keenness on the United Nations Charter and the well-established principles of international law, including obligations under the Charter to settle international disputes by peaceful means, refrain from the threat or use of force, and adhere to sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of states.