The Prime Minister of Qatar has received the 2024 Tipperary International Peace Prize.
At a ceremony, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani accepted the award on behalf of his country, which the organisers say has emerged as a "significant mediator" in international diplomacy, notably for its role in brokering the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran.
He said his country was a "steady voice for peace" in the world and said he was accepting the award with "deep humility and immense gratitude".
He said it was profoundly meaningful to be in Ireland, which he said was where peace was earned through reconciliation and moral courage.
"I am often asked what guides Qatar peace efforts from Gaza to Afghanistan, from Lebanon to Ukraine.
"Some have claimed that Qatar does this for its own gain. This cannot be further from the truth. Our war is not transactional," he said.
He also said Qatar has long warned of the dangers of regional spread of war and how the "reckless behaviour" of the government of Israel risks widening the conflict beyond repair.
He said there were blatant violations of international law with very little accountability.
"Their suffering weighs heavily in our conscience and strengthen our resolve, even when provoked, even when attacked, we remain committed to peace, not as a slogan, but as a duty," he said
He said Qatar would remain a voice of calm and a "partner in peace" to all those who believe that dialogue must triumph over destruction.
Honorary Secretary of Tipperary Peace Convention Martin Quinn said the awarding of the prize is a "powerful recognition" of Qatar's growing influence in global diplomacy.
He said Qatar continues to play an important role in mediating ceasefire and hostage exchanges between Israel and Gaza.
He also defended the awarding of the prize to a country that itself has faced criticisms of its own human rights record.
"Wherever you go with the Peace Award, in whatever country, there's going to be criticisms in one aspect or another.
"We're looking from the point of view of what they've done -the lives they are helping to save," he said.
Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Adbalmajid attended the event and paid tribute to Qatar’s efforts to try to broker peace in Gaza.
The International Prize was set up in 1984 to promote peace and humanitarian work.
Past recipients of the award include the former South African president Nelson Mandela and former president of Ireland Mary McAleese.
Organisers said the prize may be from a relatively small place but has a big reach and hope it spurs people on in their effort to broker peace on the global stage.
