Doha welcomes the ongoing diplomatic efforts to stop the hostilities between Moscow and Kiev, spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari has told RT

Qatar has been working to play a constructive role in resolving the Ukraine conflict and stands ready to act as a mediator, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari has told RT.

"From the very beginning, we have said that Qatar is ready to serve as a mediator and a platform to facilitate and create conditions for negotiations between all parties," Al-Ansari said in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

Doha supports ongoing diplomatic initiatives, particularly those led by Saudi Arabia, he noted, referencing recent Ukraine-related high-level talks in Riyadh and Jeddah.

"We also back initiatives by other Gulf countries. These efforts show that our region seeks to be a hub for peace, not for war and conflict," the official added.

Qatar has helped to mediate between Russia and Ukraine in efforts to reunite children evacuated from the combat zone with their families. The humanitarian process is ongoing, Al-Ansari said, adding that "we also hope to play a more active role overall."

Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was among the first international officials to visit Moscow following the escalation of hostilities with the aim of exploring how Doha could contribute to peace efforts, the spokesman noted.

"This commitment led to Qatar's involvement in the grain deal [Black Sea Grain Initiative] and in broader international and regional efforts to help end the war," Al-Ansari said.

He added that the Qatari leadership remains in "close contact" with its counterparts in the relevant countries and is working toward a diplomatic resolution.

"We are genuinely optimistic about these contacts and support all efforts to move them forward. We welcome any potential role the State of Qatar can play," he said.

Al Thani is scheduled to visit Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday. The agenda will include efforts to reach a possible peace agreement, among other issues.

Qatar plays a "very important" role in helping to resolve global conflicts, Peskov added, referring to the Gulf nation's broader mediation efforts.

(RT.com)