ADDIS ABABA, Jan 8 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The African Union hailed the diplomatic rapprochement to end a blockade against the Gulf nation of Qatar.
“I wish to commend Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates and Bahrain for restoring full diplomatic ties with the state of Qatar,” tweeted Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
“I also congratulate Kuwait for their effort in this important development for the region, key for the betterment of relations between Africa and the Gulf states,” Mahamat added.
In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt imposed a land, air and sea blockade on Qatar over its alleged support for terrorism, which Qatar had denied.
The reopening of the Saudi-Qatari borders came on the eve of the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, which began on Tuesday in the Saudi city of Al-Ula with the participation of the Qatari emir.
The end of the crisis started on Monday with Saudi Arabia’s decision to reopen its airspace and borders to Qatar.
Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, welcomed the declaration on “solidarity and stability” announced at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Saudi Arabia, said his Deputy Spokesman.
The declaration recognises the importance of unity among the GCC states and aims to strengthen regional security, peace, stability and prosperity, Farhan Haq said in a statement.
Guterres also welcomed Monday’s announcement on the re-opening of the airspace, land and sea borders between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, said the statement.
Guterres expressed his gratitude to those from the region and beyond, including the late emir of Kuwait and the late sultan of Oman, who worked tirelessly toward resolving the Gulf rift.
He called on all countries concerned to continue to act in a positive spirit to strengthen their relations, said the statement.
