Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receives a letter from King Salman “including an invitation to visit”, in the latest sign of improving relations between former rivals.
King Salman of Saudi Arabia has invited the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to visit the kingdom, the emir’s office said, in the latest sign of improving relations between neighbors and the old rivals.
Riyadh and its allies severed relations with Qatar in June 2017 on allegations that it was too close to Iran and fueled regional unrest, allegations Qatar has consistently denied.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and trade relations and imposed a land, sea and air blockade on the Gulf state.
But in January, the stranded countries agreed to re-establish ties with Qatar following a wave of diplomatic activity by the administration of former US President Donald Trump.
The emir received a letter from King Salman “including an invitation to visit” Saudi Arabia, his office said in a statement on Monday.
He did not say whether Sheikh Tamim had accepted or when the visit would take place.
His Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from the Guardian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including an invitation to His Highness to visit the Kingdom of ‘Saudi Arabia.#QNA pic.twitter.com/E4wVaVzOf0
– Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 26, 2021
Sheikh Tamim last visited the kingdom in January for the summit, hosted by the king’s son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which led to Doha’s readmission into the regional fold. He did not meet the king at that time.
The latest invitation came from Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, who traveled to Doha for meetings with his Qatari counterpart.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia visiting the country. They reviewed the bilateral cooperation relations and the strengthening of the functioning of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf.#QNA pic.twitter.com/AH0zecbRlC
– Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) April 26, 2021
The two discussed “the unity of the Gulf,” the Qatari foreign ministry said.
Since the reconciliation, there have been cautious steps towards normalcy, including the resumption of air travel and the reopening of Qatar’s only land border with Saudi Arabia.