Out of the crisis in Gulf. Diplomatic relations between Qatar and the four Arab countries that boycotted it for more than three years have been fully restored, the Saudi Foreign Minister announced on Tuesday (January 5) at the end of a summit of Gulf monarchies in Arabia.
“It was decided today, thanks to the wisdom of leaders in the Gulf and Egypt, to turn the page and restore all diplomatic relations with Qatar”, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud told reporters. This announcement follows the reopening on Monday of the Saudi airspace and the borders with Qatar.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, January 5, 2021 in Al-Ula (Saudi Arabia). (Photo By BANDAR AL-JALOUD/SAUDI ROYAL PALACE/AFP)Saudi Arabia and three allied countries (United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt) broke diplomatic relations with Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of supporting Islamic groups, of getting along very well with its Iranian and Turkish opponents, or even for create problems in the region. Qataris, who have always rejected these accusations, said they were victims of a “blockade” and an attack on its sovereignty.
At the opening of the summit, the participating countries signed an agreement “solidarity and stability” it intended to ease tensions between Qatar and several of its neighbors, including Saudi Arabia. “The efforts [of Kuwait and the United States] helped us to reach an agreement, where we affirm our solidarity and the stability of the Gulf and the Arab and Muslim countries”, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced at the opening of the summit held in Al-Ula.
After diplomatic relations were restored, the Saudi prince met with the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The interview was dedicated, according to the official Saudi news agency SPA, “Development of relations between the two countries and joint action by the Gulf countries”.