DOHA: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's presence in Qatar carries considerable significance in the context of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, especially to help Malaysia understand the latest developments in the region.
It takes into account the very significant role played by Qatar, especially as the main mediator between Hamas and Israel.
The Prime Minister's meeting with his counterpart Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Jassim Al-Thani, who is also Qatar's Foreign Minister, will also focus on the conflict.
The two last met during Anwar's official visit to Riyadh.
Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, Zamshari Shaharan acknowledged that Qatar is playing an important role especially with the situation in Gaza, with Doha is directly involved in the negotiation process.
"Qatar is playing the role of a mediator and they believe in dialogue. Thus (Qatar) is trying to facilitate dialogue, discussion and finding a solution towards a permanent ceasefire.
"Through the diplomatic policy of prevention (played by Qatar), Malaysia is hoping we will see a solution (in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict issue)," Zamshari said.
The Prime Minister has a tight schedule during his official visit to Qatar starting tonight, whee he will join the 4th Qatar Economy Forum (QEF) 2024.
Anwar's visit coincides with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Qatar.
His visit is by invitation of the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, who he will also have an audience with.
Previously, while attending the Special World Economic Forum (WEF) in Riyadh, Anwar pledged to support Qatar's role as a mediator in the Palestinian issue.
He also informed that Malaysia is involved in channeling humanitarian aid to Gaza and so far has flown 100 tons of essential goods to help the people of Gaza, 20 tons by sea and distributed 1,500 tons through non-governmental organisations from Malaysia.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has so far claimed more than 34,000 lives since Oct 7, with the ongoing conflict yet to show any positive results towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire.
Recently, Malaysia through a statement issued by Wisma Putra announced that it will continue efforts towards the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state based on the pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, as well as the admission of Palestine as a Full Member of the United Nations (UN).
Wisma Putra also said that Malaysia welcomed the UN General Assembly Resolution which called on the UN Security Council to reconsider Palestine's application to be accepted as a Full Member of the UN after the application was thwarted by a veto vote last month.
The resolution was approved during the 10th Special Emergency Session at the UN General Assembly last Friday, supported by 143 countries, nine opposed and 25 abstentions.