Qatar welcomed the decision of Belgium and Rwanda to restore their diplomatic relations and announced that this action could create new opportunities for cooperation and support for peace and stability at both regional and international levels.
Qatar's Appreciation for Mediation Role
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement that the country appreciates its role in resolving disputes and ambiguities between the two countries. The statement read: "The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs admires the constructive spirit that both parties demonstrated in resolving disputes and clarifying ambiguities, and hopes that the restoration of diplomatic relations will open new horizons for cooperation between the two countries."
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Positive Steps Towards Dialogue
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Khalifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar, described the restoration of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium as an important step. He said: "Qatar firmly believes that dialogue is the solution to disputes and is always available to support its partners on this path."
Al Khalifi also noted that the two countries held their first direct meeting of foreign ministers in Doha in June 2025, facilitated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar. This meeting took place after a long period of tension between the two countries.
The two ministers also expressed gratitude to Qatar for facilitating this meeting in Doha in June 2025. This meeting, which included Olivier J. P. Ndohungire, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Rwanda, and Maxim Provo, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, took place on June 1, 2025.
Qatar's discussions with Rwanda focused on efforts to resolve the crisis between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, while discussions with Belgium emphasized bilateral cooperation and regional developments.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that this meeting paved the way for direct dialogue and contributed to holding more sessions and communications that led to the restoration of diplomatic relations.
In March 2025, Rwanda cut diplomatic relations with Belgium due to disagreements over Belgium's stance on the conflicts in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Belgium responded to Rwanda's accusations, stating that its position was based on concerns about violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and respect for international human rights.
Belgium had also supported EU sanctions against senior military officials in Rwanda and members of the M23 and AFC groups. Qatar separately hosted talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of efforts to resolve this conflict.
Qatar also participated in signing the Rwanda-DRC peace agreement in Washington in June 2025. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope at the end of its statement that the newly restored relations would create new opportunities for cooperation and support for peace and stability at both regional and international levels.
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