Qatar update: Saudi and Qatari leaders discuss crisis

MENA

Published: 2017-09-09 09:19

Last Updated: 2024-04-18 11:18


Qatar airways has been banned from Saudi-bloc airspace, following an embargo. (Photo Credit: Reuters)
Qatar airways has been banned from Saudi-bloc airspace, following an embargo. (Photo Credit: Reuters)

Recent developments show Qatar's ruler, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, calling Saudi Arabia's crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and the Saudi-bloc including Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt. 

According to Saudi's SPA news agency, Qatar's ruler said he was willing to discuss the Saudi-bloc's demands, following three months of cut diplomatic ties and embargo. 

The Saudi-bloc accuses Qatar of supporting terrorism, which the Gulf country strongly denies. 

"During the call, the Emir of Qatar expressed his desire to sit at the dialogue table and discuss the demands of the four countries to ensure the interests of all," SPA reported.

The agency suggested that details would be announced after Saudi Arabia reaches an agreement with Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE. 

According to SPA however, shortly after the call Qatar News Agency issued statements which were a 'distortion of facts'. 

It is unclear to what extent Qatar may be willing to meet the bloc's demands, which include the closure of al-Jazeera and reducing ties with Iran.