Doha, 28 September 2023 (TDI): In a significant diplomatic encounter, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, in Doha.
This high-level meeting revolved around discussions concerning bilateral relations and avenues for their enhancement, as well as exploring opportunities for cooperation across various domains.
Additionally, the leaders exchanged insights on prevailing regional and international developments that are of mutual concern.
The meeting witnessed the presence of key dignitaries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Qatar, Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan.
Furthermore, during his visit to Qatar, Prince Faisal bin Farhan also had an audience with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani at his Amiri Diwan office.
At the outset of this encounter, the Saudi Foreign Minister conveyed warm greetings from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to the Emir.
They extended their wishes for the Emir’s well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the Qatari people.
In response, the Emir entrusted the Saudi Foreign Minister with conveying his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He wished them good health and further development and growth for the brotherly Saudi people.
The discussions during these high-level meetings encompassed the fraternal relations between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, emphasizing strategies for their promotion and enhancement.
Additionally, both sides engaged in deliberations on regional and international issues that are of shared interest.
It is worth noting that Saudi Arabia and Qatar have maintained friendly diplomatic relations since the resolution of a years-long blockade in 2021.
This blockade, initiated in 2017, was lifted in January 2021, leading to the normalization of relations between the two nations.
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Qatar’s Emir visited Saudi Arabia in November 2022, further solidifying the thaw in relations, and multiple Saudi diplomats and Ministers have undertaken official visits to Qatar.
The blockade was initially imposed by Riyadh and its allies, alleging that Qatar had close ties to Iran and was supporting “terrorist” groups, claims that Qatar consistently denied.