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.

 



GCC Urges an Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi - SPA
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi - SPA
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GCC Urges an Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi - SPA
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi - SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim bin Mohammed Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for the Lebanese people and its commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability.
He emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and called for avoiding military escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border, protecting civilians, exercising self-restraint, steering clear of regional conflicts, and preventing the spread of violence in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Al-Budaiwi reiterated the position outlined in the GCC ministerial statement, urging the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The UN resolution calls for Israel's respect for Lebanon's borders and the extension of the Lebanese government’s authority across its entire territory, in line with other Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement.
The goal is for Lebanon to exercise full sovereignty, with no weapons present without government approval and no authority beyond that of the state.
The statement also stressed the importance of expediting Lebanon's presidential elections and implementing critical economic reforms to enable the government to meet its obligations to its people.
A wave of Israeli airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon have killed more than 1,030 people — including 156 women and 87 children — in less than two weeks, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.