DOHA: In a significant move towards reconciliation in the Middle East, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have announced that they are working to reopen their embassies “in the coming weeks”.
The announcement came from Majid Al-Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry, who said that technical committees were currently working on the procedures needed to reopen the diplomatic missions. A UAE official confirmed that the process was underway.
The move follows the re-establishment of relations between the two countries in January 2021, after the UAE participated in a four-year Gulf blockade of Qatar.
Although several meetings have been held since then, the embassies have yet to be reopened.
The news comes amid a broader wave of rapprochement in the region. Last month, Saudi Arabia and Iran moved to restore ties, ending a long-standing rivalry that has fueled conflict across the Middle East.
In addition, Qatar recently resumed relations with Bahrain, ending a long-running feud.
The opening of embassies between Qatar and the UAE would be a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries, which have been strained for years.
Diplomatic, transport restrictions on Qatar
In 2017, the UAE and several other Arab countries imposed a diplomatic and transport blockade on Qatar, accusing it of supporting extremist organizations and becoming too close to Iran. Qatar denied the allegations.
Analysts say that the recent moves towards reconciliation in the region reflect a desire to reduce tensions and focus on domestic priorities.
Saudi Arabia, for example, has been seeking to reduce its economic dependence on oil and pursue ambitious development projects.
The announcement of the reopening of embassies between Qatar and the UAE is likely to be welcomed by many in the region, who see it as a positive step towards peace and stability.
However, there are still many challenges to be overcome, and it remains to be seen how far the wave of rapprochement will extend.
The move is seen as a significant step forward for both Qatar and the UAE and is expected to pave the way for further cooperation and engagement between the two countries.
