Qatar to continue rapprochement with Iran amid the ongoing rift with GCC states

As the diplomatic spat is still going on between Qatar and a Saudi-led bloc of the Arab countries, Doha seems to continue the development of its ties with Tehran as an alternative way to preserve its regional status. Recent phone conversation between the Iranian president and the Qatari Emir fits into this framework.

کد خبر: ۸۰۹۴۷۴

تاریخ: ۲۹ خرداد ۱۳۹۷ - ۱۳:۵۴

Tabnak – As the diplomatic spat is still going on between Qatar and a Saudi-led bloc of the Arab countries, Doha seems to continue the development of its ties with Tehran as an alternative way to preserve its regional status. Recent phone conversation between the Iranian president and the Qatari Emir fits into this framework.

According to a Tasnim News Agency report, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday conferred on the two countries’ relations as well as regional issues.

In a phone conversation, Rouhani congratulated Sheikh Tamim on Eid al-Fitr, marking the holy month of Ramadan, and expressed the hope that Tehran and Doha could take the best advantage of the opportunities for fostering business and economic relations.

He also went on to praise the Qatari government and people's resistance against pressures, threats and unjust siege and said, "The Islamic Republic of Iran believes that the imposed siege on Qatar is unjust, leading to more division and tension among the countries of the region and will do its best to help and cooperate with the Qatari government and people, and contribute to regional stability."

Stressing that Tehran's policy is to interact and negotiate with the countries of the region to end the disputes to establish stability and security in the entire region, he added, "We consider adventurous policies of some countries in the region incorrect and believe that the continuation of this process will undoubtedly deteriorates the situation, including in Palestine, Syria and Yemen."

"Today, the people of Palestine, especially the residents of Gaza, are under a lot of pressure and are attacked by the usurper Zionist Regime every day, and Muslims collectively supporting them can help alleviate their pains," the Iranian president went on to say.

According to official website of the president, Rouhani also emphasized that the Yemeni crisis has no military solution and all countries must help establish stability and security in the country and the region, describing the recent invasion on Al-Hudaydah Port as causing human catastrophe in Yemen.

"Continuation of these conflicts puts the poor people of Yemen under tremendous pressure and it is everybody's duty to help these oppressed people". He also emphasized regional consultations between the two countries and strengthening of bases of cooperation and collaboration to serve common interests.

The Emir of Qatar, for his part, felicitated Eid al-Fitr to the Iranian nation and government.

As regards bilateral ties, he said, "Long-standing relations between Iran and Qatar are developing on a daily basis and we are determined to further deepen these relations in all fields of mutual interest and I will personally follow up on the process of this development."

Sheikh Tamim went on to praise the Iranian government and nation's stances on the issue of the siege of Qatar and said, "We believe that all disputes in the region can only be possible through dialogue and no country can impose its views on other countries."

Qatar supports the Palestinian nation, he said, adding, "We support the Palestinian people's resistance and will continue this policy." He also wished Iran national football team's success in the 2018 FIFA World Cup underway in Russia.