Arab, Gulf States Welcome Resumption of Diplomatic Representation between the UAE, Qatar

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)
Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)
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Arab, Gulf States Welcome Resumption of Diplomatic Representation between the UAE, Qatar

Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)
Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani meets with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan in Doha on December 5, 2022 (file photo: Reuters)

Arab and Gulf countries welcomed the resumption of diplomatic representation between the UAE and Qatar and the reopening of embassies, based on the AlUla Summit between Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah in January 2021.

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the resumption of diplomatic representation between Qatar and the UAE, describing it as a "positive step" that confirms strong relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

The ministry said the resumption of relations boosts joint Gulf action to achieve the "aspirations of the region's nations and peoples."

GCC Sec-Gen Jassim al-Budaiwi welcomed the resumption of diplomatic representation between the two gulf countries, which is an implementation of the agreement of the leaders of GCC countries at the Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah Summit.

Budaiwi praised this step, saying it embodies the leaders' keenness on the GCC bonds, friendship, brotherhood, history, and shared destiny.

Egypt also welcomed the re-establishment of diplomatic representation, praising this positive step in strengthening joint Arab action and consolidating Arab unity.

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry affirmed its support for all efforts aimed at strengthening Arab relations at various levels and protecting the interests of the Arab people.

Furthermore, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs lauded the step, saying it extends fraternal relations and ties between Gulf nations, and consolidates joint Gulf action to promote stability, and prosperity for all countries in the region.

For its part, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs welcomed the initiative.

The ministry's spokesman, Sinan al-Majali, stressed the importance of this agreement in strengthening cooperation efforts between Arab countries, and activating joint Arab action, in a way that serves common Arab interests.

Qatar and the UAE announced on Monday the restoration of work at their respective embassies. Qatar’s embassy reopened in Abu Dhabi, and its consulate in Dubai. The UAE reopened its embassy in Doha.

A statement by the Qatari foreign Ministry said that the decision implements the outcomes of the AlUla summit and the desire of both countries to boost ties.

It indicated that the two sides affirmed that this step embodies the will of both leaderships to strengthen joint Arab action to achieve the aspirations of the two brotherly peoples.

 



Lebanon, Kuwait Reaffirm Strong Ties in High-Level Summit

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)
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Lebanon, Kuwait Reaffirm Strong Ties in High-Level Summit

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)
Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun (Lebanese Presidency)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun concluded a high-profile visit to Kuwait this week, where he held a summit with Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affirming a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and deepening cooperation across a range of sectors.

The summit, which took place at the Amiri Diwan, was attended by Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, and senior officials from both countries.

According to a statement from the Amiri Diwan, the discussions centered on bolstering political and economic relations, reinforcing regional cooperation, and addressing the evolving situation in Lebanon.

The Emir expressed Kuwait’s unwavering support for Lebanon and described the moment as a “historic opportunity” for the country to chart a new course, overcome past challenges, and embark on a path of national reconstruction and stability.

In a significant diplomatic development, the Emir informed Aoun of Kuwait’s decision to restore full diplomatic representation between the two nations. The Lebanese president welcomed the move, calling it a vital step toward renewing and expanding ties.

“Lebanon remains committed to its relationship with Kuwait and the Arab world,” he said.

Aoun also praised Kuwait for its longstanding support in regional and international forums, particularly in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty and condemning repeated Israeli violations. The Emir, in turn, reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for Lebanon’s full territorial sovereignty under UN Resolution 425 and called for the implementation of Resolution 1701 and a cessation of Israeli hostilities.

Security cooperation emerged as a key theme during the summit, with both sides hailing the close coordination between their security agencies particularly in combating drug smuggling. Emir Sheikh Mishal described this collaboration as a “cornerstone” in confronting shared security threats.

Kuwait also reiterated its backing for the efforts of the Arab and international “Quintet” seeking a resolution to Lebanon’s political impasse, as well as ongoing reforms and military support. The Emir pledged Kuwait’s continued participation in aid conferences focused on Lebanon’s economic recovery and national defense.

The leaders also discussed the regional situation, including the importance of Syria’s stability and the need for a safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees to prevent further destabilization.

Separately, Aoun met with Acting Prime Minister Sheikh Fahd Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, who praised the Lebanese expatriate community in Kuwait for its positive contribution. The two officials agreed to ease travel and residency procedures for Lebanese nationals and encourage Kuwaiti investment in Lebanon.

In his meeting with Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Aoun stressed the need to revive previously signed cooperation agreements and increase joint efforts in trade and investment. Discussions also touched on the upcoming Arab Summit in Baghdad and the US-Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia.