**Qatar Advocates for Diplomacy as Belgium and Rwanda Restore Diplomatic Relations**
*September 23, 2026*
In a significant diplomatic development, Belgium and Rwanda have restored ties after a period of tension marked by the expulsion of diplomats from both nations. This reconciliation comes 18 months after the two countries severed diplomatic relations due to the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe and Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot met at the United Nations in New York on September 22, 2026, to formalize their renewed cooperation. The meeting was facilitated by Qatar, which has been actively involved in mediating tensions in the Great Lakes region.
Majed al-Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed optimism about the restoration of relations between Belgium and Rwanda, emphasizing that Qatar will continue to advocate for diplomatic solutions to global conflicts. Al-Ansari highlighted Qatar's role in hosting preliminary talks in Doha in June 2025, which laid the groundwork for the recent diplomatic rapprochement.
“It was a breakthrough meeting between the two foreign ministers, who hadn’t met for a while, addressing a lot of underlying issues,” al-Ansari stated. He noted that both nations have come to trust Qatar due to its history of mediating effectively in their affairs.
In a joint statement, Belgium and Rwanda acknowledged Qatar's contributions to facilitating dialogue, which has been crucial in addressing the complex issues stemming from the DRC conflict. The restoration of ties is seen as a positive step towards stability in the region, which has been plagued by violence and political unrest.
During the UN General Assembly, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reiterated Qatar's commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation. He underscored the importance of reaching just and fair solutions grounded in international law.
Al-Ansari further elaborated on Qatar's diplomatic efforts, stating that the country is also engaged in discussions with Iran to de-escalate tensions in the Gulf region. He mentioned recent progress in negotiations related to the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel, despite previous setbacks. “We do believe that there is no alternative to diplomacy, and we cannot afford to let diplomacy fail,” he asserted.
The Qatari leadership also met with U.S. President Donald Trump during the UN General Assembly, where they discussed the broader implications of the Iran conflict and its impact on global stability. Al-Ansari emphasized that the repercussions of the Iran war and the conflict in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are being felt worldwide, and he urged for swift diplomatic resolutions to mitigate these effects.
Qatar is collaborating with other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, including Pakistan and Oman, to facilitate a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing crises in the region. Al-Ansari stated, “The sooner we get to it, the less the effects will be felt around the world.”
As the international community continues to grapple with various conflicts, Qatar's proactive diplomatic stance and its role as a mediator are increasingly recognized as vital in fostering dialogue and cooperation among nations. The restoration of ties between Belgium and Rwanda serves as a testament to the potential of diplomacy to resolve even the most entrenched disputes.