Human Trafficking Response: Qatar’s Ministry of Labour, via the National Committee for Combating Human Trafficking, launched a first workshop on the National Referral System with the National Human Rights Committee, aiming for a more integrated approach to prevention, identification, protection and rehabilitation. Qatar-UK Defence Ties: Deputy PM and Defence Affairs Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman met UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting in London and signed an extension to the defence cooperation agreement, while also meeting the UK Royal College of Defence Studies commandant. Regional Security Coordination: A closed CENTCOM-hosted meeting in Germany brought together senior commanders from the US, Israel and Arab states including Qatar to discuss Iran-related threats, Houthi escalation and Strait of Hormuz security. Cross-Border Payments: Qatar Central Bank and Saudi SAMA began acceptance of Qatar’s Himyan and Saudi’s mada cards across both countries, boosting cross-border payment connectivity. Palestinian Unity: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman met Fatah’s Jibril Rajoub, reaffirming Qatar’s support for Palestinian unity and an independent state on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as capital. Private Sector Push: The Commerce Ministry met Qatari Businessmen Association representatives to tackle private-sector priorities, including simplifying procedures and improving services. Public Policy Update: Qatar’s updated villa plot subdivision rules allow eligible parcels as small as 400sqm, giving owners more flexibility and potentially increasing residential land supply. Health & Aid: Qatar Charity ran an anti-blindness campaign in Senegal, delivering thousands of eye exams and distributing glasses and eye medication.