Saudi Arabia seeks to reconcile differences with Qatar

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has opened confidential communication channels with Qatar and officials from both sides are reportedly meeting in Doha to reconcile the differences between them, informed Gulf sources claimed.

A crisis between Saudi Arabia and Qatar erupted when Riyadh recalled its ambassador from Doha. An escalation of media accusations between the two Gulf States followed.

It is thought that the dispute has arisen over Saudi Arabia’s support for the military coup in Egypt and Qatar’s backing of Egypt’s elected government and democratic movement.

According to the sources, Saudi Arabia felt that it had gone too far in its campaign against Qatar and that all its hostile steps towards its neighbour would not force Doha to change its policy on the key disputed files, but only stiffen the Qatari position.

The sources revealed that both states have now reached an advanced stage of talks after the Saudi side endorsed the Qatari position calling to resolve all differences over non-Gulf related issues and to focus on common issues concerning the Gulf’s interest.

The sources added that both states are expected to issue a joint statement within the next few days to announce the end of the crisis and the normalisation of their relations.