Tehran: Iran and Qatar should “get over their differences” and boost relations to ensure regional stability, Qatar’s emir has told Iran’s president as Ramadan gets under way.
Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also called for an end to violence in the region during the holy month, Iran’s ISNA news agency reported Friday.
Iran is the main regional ally of Syrian President Bashar Al Assad and of the rebels in Yemen known as Al Houthis.
In contrast, Qatar supports rebels fighting to overthrow Al Assad and is part of a Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing Al Houthis in Yemen for more than two months.
“There might be differences over some issues, but the two countries, as friends, brothers and neighbours, should get over these obstacles,” Shaikh Tamim said, calling relations with Iran “historical and robust.”
Rouhani said there was “good potential for economic and political” relations between the two countries.
The conversation comes as warring factions in Yemen are meeting in Geneva for United Nations (UN)-sponsored talks.
So far, no advances have been made at the talks, which are expected to wrap up on Friday.
The UN hopes to least get them to agree to a two-week humanitarian truce.
Iran can play “an important role in establishing peace and security in the region,” the emir said.
Dialogue must replace conflict in Syria, Iraq and Yemen, he added.
