Kuwait to resume efforts to resolve 3 yr Gulf dispute

Recent talks that Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Ahmed Nasser Al Sabah held with Qatari and Saudi officials did not tackle the Gulf standoff between Doha and an Arab quartet, according to Al Qabas newspaper reports.

In June 2017, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt broke off diplomatic and transportation links with Qatar over its support for extremist groups.

The countries have set several conditions to mend ties with Qatar, including the emirate’s severance of links with militant and terror groups. Doha has refused the conditions, saying they violate its sovereignty.

Kuwait has since attempted to resolve the row, but without success so far.

Amid a renewed US push for Gulf unity to counterbalance Iran’s influence in the region, the Kuwaiti minister separately met with Qatar’s visiting Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahaman Al Thani and Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Sultan Bin Saad last week.

“Talks revolved around regional and local developments, major security and economic challenges, and efforts to confront them,” Kuwaiti government sources told Al Qabas newspaper.

“Kuwaiti efforts to cement Gulf ranks have not and will not stop. These endeavours will resume,” the sources added. “All parties are keen not to allow the disagreement not to prolong. Solutions are being worked,” they added without elaborating.