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29 March 2024

Separation will continue until Qatar changes its course: Abdullah bin Zayed

Published
By Wam

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has said that the current state of separation from Qatar will continue until the latter changes its course.

Sheikh Abdullah made the remarks during a press joint press conference he held in Cairo on Wednesday, along with the Foreign Ministers: Adel Al Jubair of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa of Bahrain and Sameh Shoukry of Egypt.

Sheikh Abdullah indicated that despite the four countries' patience, Qatar had not shown any interest in its brothers or surroundings.

"Doha has no interest in its brethren, nor its surroundings. It is interested in extremism, instigation, subversion and terrorism,"he added.

He noted that the goal of all countries of the world is to provided better opportunities to their respective peoples to grow, prosper and to lead a stable and secure life. He regretted the fact that for the past two decades, Doha took the path of destruction and chaos.

He said the four countries will remain separated from Qatar until it changes its course from destruction to construction.

He continued by saying: "We will make every possible effort to confront terrorism in the region. The region has suffered a lot of chaos and destruction and we have high hopes for a better future to our children. We are sovereign countries and will protect ourselves against terrorism and extremism in line with the international law."

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said the four countries reiterated the necessity to combat terrorism and to dry up its sources. He stressed that there will be a zero tolerance with the Qatari role in supporting extremism and terrorism.

Saudi Foreign Minister said the measures taken against Doha were due to its support for terrorism, interference in other countries' affairs and spreading hate.

Al Jubair also said it was no surprise that Qatar was trying to build closer ties with Iran, the world's number one state sponsor of terrorism.

On the position of Turkey, Al Jubair said: "Ankara informed us that they are neutral and we hope they stick to that position."

He also noted that this issue is of concern to the whole world since it is related to funding of terrorism.

He added that there will be no leniency with Qatari support for terrorism.

"It is strange that Qatar harbours terrorists despite hosting a US base that is active in fighting Al Qaeda."

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said the principles agreed by the four countries are the same that are embraced by the whole world.

"Our role is to stand in the face of Daesh terrorism, as well as the terrorism that comes from Iran,"he said.

On the Muslim Brotherhood, he said the group is involved in harming Egypt and shedding blood of its people and other peoples.

"Therefore, we consider them a terrorist organisation and every one belonging to them or showing sympathy with them, will be tried for that."

Asked about the possibility of discontinuing Qatar's membership in the Gulf Cooperation Council, Sheikh Khalid said: "This is for the GCC to discuss. Today's meeting is about coordinating stances following the negative Qatari reply. We do not want to take hasty decisions, because such decisions are important and will impact the current situation."