Dubai: Qataris in the UAE have expressed cautious optimism that the recent dispute between their country and three other Gulf states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, would be resolved amicably, describing it as a “mere passing summer cloud”.
They pin much hope on Kuwait’s mediation efforts to repair the rift and prevent the disintegration of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
“The historical relations between the Qatari people and their brotherly people of the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain will not be affected by this political dispute. We share deeply rooted ties and historical bonds,” said Mohammad Al Rumaihi, a Qatari currently visiting the UAE.
He expressed hope that Kuwait would succeed in its mediation efforts to bridge the gap between the four GCC countries.
“I hope that the emir of Kuwait will intervene to repair the rift.”
Al Rumaihi ruled out that Saudi Arabia would close its air space or land borders with Qatar, as has been speculated by regional media.
“This will mainly affect Qatari citizens as most of our imports of basic commodities and food are sourced from the Saudi agriculture sector,” Al Rumaihi said.
Meanwhile, Faisal Al Ajlan has defended the independence of his country’s foreign policy, while calling on the governments to keep the people of the GCC out of political disputes erupting between governments over disagreement on regional and international issues.
He said that inter-GCC relations should be based on mutual respect and common interests of the people of the Gulf region.
“We share a common history and destiny, and hence we hope that this crisis will be resolved under the umbrella of the GCC without foreign interference. Wisdom, dialogue and common understanding are the key to solving this issue and to ultimately sparing the Gulf people from any bad scenarios that would affect their inter-relations and interests,” Al Ajlan said.
Hamad Al Shamsan referred to the strong bonds binding the people of the Gulf region as well as to joint development and economic agreements and joint venture projects concluded between GCC governments. He warned of the economic consequences of the inter-GCC dispute on the people of the entire region.
“Any potential escalation will not be in the interest of Gulf governments or people as we will all be affected and the grave effects will spare no one,” Al Shamsan said.
He called on the leaders of the GCC countries to resort to wisdom to solve internal disputes so as to avert the Gulf people unpleasant scenarios.
