Saudi, Bahrain, UAE envoys to return to Qatar

Countries had withdrawn ambassadors 8 months ago citing Doha’s meddling in their internal affairs

Gulf leaders agreed Sunday on the return of Saudi, Emirati, and Bahraini envoys to Qatar after an extraordinary meeting in Riyadh, promising an end to eight months of tense relations.

The agreement “promises the opening of a new page that will present a strong base, especially in light of the sensitive circumstances the region is undergoing,” said a Gulf Cooperation Council statement.

“Based on this, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain have decided to return their ambassadors to Doha,” it said.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain all withdrew their ambassadors to Doha in March, sparking one of the GCC’s worst diplomatic rows since its creation in 1981.

The Sunday meeting was called by Saudi King Abdullah and was attended by the rulers of three other Gulf nations — Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain — and comes ahead of the annual Gulf summit set to take place in Doha on December 9 and 10.

The statement said the United Arab Emirates was represented by vice president Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum. Oman meanwhile appeared absent from the meeting.

The meeting “aims at strengthening the spirit of sincere cooperation and affirming… the hopes of GCC people for strong relations,” it added.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE have accused Qatar of meddling in their internal affairs by supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, listed as a terrorist organisation by Riyadh and Abu Dhabi.