DOHA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has stepped up diplomatic efforts to support de-escalation and strengthen regional and international coordination amid continuing tensions in the region, a Qatari official said Tuesday.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari said at a weekly press briefing that Qatar has held a series of meetings and initiatives aimed at easing tensions and boosting coordination with regional and international partners.
Al-Ansari reaffirmed Qatar's support for diplomatic efforts and regional mediation, stressing the importance of preserving the ceasefire and pursuing peaceful solutions to the crisis.
He said Qatar continues to coordinate with relevant parties to ensure the safe passage of gas tankers and safeguard international maritime security, adding that freedom of navigation is a fundamental legal right.
Al-Ansari added that Qatar is closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz, where disruptions to shipping and tanker traffic persist, and normal maritime flow has not resumed.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy supplies and maritime trade. Qatar has repeatedly called for keeping shipping lanes open and resolving regional tensions through dialogue and peaceful means.
