ICRC director-general concludes visits to Oman and Qatar, strengthening humanitarian dialogue and partnerships

In Oman, Krähenbühl met with senior representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Maritime Security Centre and the Oman Charitable Organization. Discussions focused on international humanitarian law, humanitarian preparedness and opportunities for further cooperation, building on a decade of deepening engagement, including through the ICRC logistics hub in Salalah supporting operations in Yemen.
The director-general also highlighted Oman’s important role in mediation, de-escalation and preserving space for dialogue at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In Qatar, Director-General Krähenbühl held high-level discussions with representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Security Advisor, the Qatar Red Crescent Society and the Qatar Fund for Development. Exchanges focused on operational and protection priorities, international humanitarian law, Qatar’s role as a mediator and opportunities to further strengthen cooperation in support of humanitarian action. 

“Across both visits, we valued the open and substantive exchanges with our counterparts, and their continued engagement with the ICRC and humanitarian action,” said Pierre Krähenbühl. “At a time of profound humanitarian challenges across the region, sustained dialogue is essential to protect humanitarian space and keep the needs of people affected by conflict at the centre.”

The visits also provided an opportunity for the director-general to engage with regional and national media on the humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts and the importance of preserving respect for international humanitarian law.