An economic blockade on Qatar is having the effect of pushing Qatar closer to Iran economically, Qatar’s foreign minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told reporters in Paris.
“They said Qatar was now closer to Iran. By their measures they are pushing Qatar to Iran. They are giving Iran, or any regional force, Qatar like a gift,” he said on Monday.
Sheikh Mohammed questioned whether their objective is to push one country, a GCC member state toward Iran, adding that it is not a wise objective.
On the sidelines of a discussion organized by the French Institute of International Relations in Paris Monday, the Qatari FM said that his country supports the dialogue and sees it as the best solution to solve the Gulf crisis.
He noted that Doha supports the internationally supported mediation efforts led by Kuwait, stressing his country's refusal to accept the 13 conditions set by the four boycotting countries.
On the Gulf crisis, he told reporters that he had seen from US President Donald Trump a "greater desire" to fix the crisis and that Trump "doesn't want to see conflict among friends."
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman reiterated Qatar's stance that it is being falsely accused of supporting "terrorism" because its progressive policies have differed from those of the blockading nations.
"We believe that to resolve these differences, we all need dialogue and discussion based on respecting our choices and independence," he said.
He said Qatar is willing to discuss any demand from critics, but they must not infringe on sovereignty or international law.
