New Delhi: After two-and-a-half years of hostile relations, Qatar is attempting to revive relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states. Qatar’s foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, made an unexpected visit to Saudi Arabia last week, according to Reuters.
These efforts mark the first bilateral attempt by Qatar to ease relations with Saudi Arabia after they soured over two years ago. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic ties and imposed an economic blockade on Qatar in June 2017, accusing it of backing terrorism.
Qatar’s efforts to revive these relations began in May, when its prime minister attended an Arab summit in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
What are the issues between Saudi Arabia and Qatar?
Saudi Arabia and its allies severed ties with Qatar over a range of issues but most importantly, they claimed that Qatar was actively sponsoring terrorist groups.
“The boycotting nations set 13 demands for lifting the boycott, including closing Al Jazeera television, shuttering a Turkish military base, reducing ties with Iran and cutting links to the Muslim Brotherhood,” noted Reuters.
Another prominent issue between Saudi and Qatar has been the latter’s cordial relations with Iran. According to reports, the growing cooperation between Doha and Tehran was the tipping point for Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait and the US have made consistent efforts to mediate between Qatar and the Gulf states.
What did the Qatari foreign minister do in Saudi Arabia?
During his visit, al-Thani met high-ranking Saudi officials. But it is unclear whether he met the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin-Salman, the de facto leader of the country. The exact topics of the discussion are also unclear.
“U.S. Senator Chris Murphy said the minister’s trip was ‘an important move that showed openness to some dialogue between the two sides,’” reported Reuters.
“At the very least, I think the Saudis seem sincere in trying to figure out the path forward,” added Murphy.
An official from Qatar, told Reuters that Doha “welcomed each and every opportunity to resolve the ongoing blockade through open dialogue and mutual respect of each country’s sovereignty.”
UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have also sent their soccer teams to a tournament in Qatar — an apparent sign of improving ties.