Qatar's emir, Saudi crown prince discuss cooperation following reconciliation

Qatar's emir, Saudi crown prince discuss cooperation following reconciliation
The Emir of Qatar and the Saudi Crown Prince spoke on the phone to discuss the recent reconciliation and the future cooperation.
2 min read
01 March, 2021
Saudi Arabia and Qatar reconciled at a recent meeting in Al-Ula. [Getty]
The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani and Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, discussed relations between the two countries and possible future cooperation in a telephone call on Sunday, the emir's office said.

Both sides "discussed the latest regional and international developments" and highlighted "their keenness to promote joint Arab and Gulf action", according to a statement released by the Amiri Diwan of Qatar.

Al-Thani voiced his support for Saudi Arabia's security and stability, and condemned Houthi attacks on the kingdom.

He added that his country considers Saudi Arabia's stability, "as an integral part of the stability of the state of Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) system", the statement said.

Qatar and Saudi Arabia reconciled at the beginning of the year, following a meeting of the GCC in the Saudi city of Al-Ula. 

In 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, imposed a blockade on Qatar, which they accused of supporting terrorism - allegations that Doha denied.

Since the reconciliation, Qatar has spoken out against the recent attack on Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have been fighting in Yemen against a Saudi-led intervention.

Read more: How the GCC reconciliation deal could reshape the region's power balance

In addition to mending ties with Saudi Arabia, Qatar held its first official meeting with the UAE in Kuwait last week. 

The two Gulf states discussed "joint mechanisms and procedures for implementing the Al-Ula statement", and the need to maintain "Gulf cohesion and develop joint Gulf action in the interest of the GCC countries and their citizens, and to achieve stability and prosperity in the region".

Each blockading state is set to undergo bilateral talks with Qatar to resolve individual issues and "rebuild trust", according to a UAE official.

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