Sheikh Tamim and the accompanying delegation were greeted upon arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Saudi Minister of National Guard Prince Meteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Governor of Makkah Region Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Mayor of Jeddah Dr. Hani Abu Ras, as well as Qatar's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia HE Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al -Thani, and members of the Qatari Embassy’s staff.
Qatar’s Emir discussed with the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud of Saudi Arabia a number of regional and international issues of common concern, especially the latest developments in the region.
Talks during the meeting which was at the Royal Palace in Jeddah reviewed the strong brotherly ties between the two countries and ways of enhancing them in various fields for the benefit and interest of the two countries and their people, in addition to exchanging views on all that would promote the march of the GCC joint action.
The meeting was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al -Thani, and their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying HH the Emir.
On the Saudi side, the meeting was attended by Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince and Second Deputy Prime Minister and the Special Envoy of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Secretary General of the National Security Council Prince Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chief of General Intelligence Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of the National Guard Prince Meteb bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Interior Minister Prince Mohammed bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and a number of Princes and Ministers.
In August 2014, Sheikh Tamim received Saudi Arabia’s National Guard Minister Prince Mitab Bin Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz, the son of the King, in the Qatari capital Doha.
Relations between Riyadh and Doha have been tense since the two capitals differed sharply over policies with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and beyond.
On March 5, Manama, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, in an unprecedented move since the establishment of the GCC in 1981, pulled out their Ambassadors from Doha to protests against Qatar’s non-compliance with agreements approved by the GCC states.
Even though Doha did not reciprocate by withdrawing its own Ambassadors, the situation remained tense amid speculation that it could even escalate.
Early reports that the dispute would be resolved soon were dismissed by Saudi Arabia that ruled out the possibility of international mediation in the standoff, and insisted that the conflict would not be resolved “until Qatar revises its policies”.
An ad-hoc committee made up of representatives from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar to discuss the points of contention has been holding meetings regularly in Riyadh, but no details have been leaked or decision been announced.
Visits by high-level officials from any of the four countries are often seen within the context of finding ways to ensure the situation does not escalate.
Source: QNA; Gulf News
