Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, and UAE cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in June 2017
Gulf leaders have eased the tensions in the region by signing a “solidarity and stability” agreement with Qatar at a summit in Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain had cut diplomatic and trade and ties with Qatar since June 2017. The block accused Doha of supporting terrorist activities carried out by Iran, an accusation it denies.
Saudi Crown Prince said a need for unity in the current day and age with the Iranian regime developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. He said that the agreement would bring solidarity among the Gulf, Arabs and Muslims. He also appreciated the United States and Kuwait for the mediation process.
“These efforts helped us reach the agreement of the Al-Ula statement that will be signed at this summit, where we affirm our Gulf, Arab and Islamic solidarity and stability,” the crown prince told the meeting, thanking the United States and Kuwait for their mediation.
“There is a desperate need today to unite our efforts to promote our region and to confront challenges that surround us, especially the threats posed by the Iranian regime’s nuclear and ballistic missile program and its plans for sabotage and destruction.”
Dubai ruler sees the move as “positive.”
Prime Minister and Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum called the summit “positive”. He said that the region was engulfed with challenges and unity is much needed.
“Today, I took part in the Al Ula Summit of the GCC leaders … a positive summit unifying ranks and establishing fraternity under the patronage of King Salman and his Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman … Changes and challenges surrounding us require genuine Gulf strength, cohesion and cooperation as well as Arab depth and stability,” he posted on Twitter.