Both Gulf states are major suppliers of oil and gas, commodities that have become scarcer and more expensive as a result of the war in Ukraine and related sanctions against Russia. Hoekstra also believes it is important that broad support for the international legal order continues to exist. “The Netherlands needs partners to address these challenges,” said the minister.
Human rights
In particular, the human rights situation in Qatar has recently come under scrutiny due to the World Cup that took place there last month. Homosexuality is prohibited in the strict Islamic country. Furthermore, there was much to be said about the poor treatment of migrant workers flown in for stadium construction.
The House of Representatives then asked the government not to send a delegation to the World Cup, but the cabinet ignored that invitation. He said he wants to use the tournament to continue discussing important issues with the Qatari rulers. Hoekstra then promised that the Netherlands would continue to do so after the World Cup.
One Love
Sports Minister Conny Helder eventually represented the government at the group match against the host country. However, his performance made little impression, in part because he drew attention to LGBTI rights with a relatively discreet pin. The ministers of Belgium and Germany made a clearer statement by wearing the OneLove captain’s armband that FIFA players were not allowed to wear on the pitch.
Hoekstra will speak in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday with, among others, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs. Meetings are scheduled in Doha on Thursday with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and with the director of the International Labor Organization (ILO) in Doha, Max Tunon.