RIYADH – Saudi Arabia and Qatar reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during a meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council’s Executive Committee held in Riyadh on Thursday. The meeting, co-chaired by Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, focused on enhancing Saudi-Qatar relations across multiple sectors. Discussions centered on progress made through existing subcommittees and future initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation.
The high-level talks took place at the Saudi Foreign Ministry headquarters and involved a review of ongoing projects and preparations for the eighth meeting of the full Coordination Council. Both nations expressed satisfaction with the current level of collaboration and a shared desire to build upon recent advancements. The meeting underscores a continuing thaw in relations following a period of regional tension.
Strengthening the Saudi-Qatar Partnership
The Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council was established in 2017, though its work was significantly hampered by a diplomatic rift that began in 2018. This dispute involved a blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt, lasting until early 2021. Since the resolution of the blockade, both countries have been actively working to rebuild trust and foster closer cooperation.
According to a statement released by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Committee meeting specifically addressed ways to intensify joint efforts. These efforts span a range of areas, including economic development, security collaboration, and cultural exchange. The focus is on translating existing agreements into tangible outcomes for both populations.
Key Areas of Discussion
While specific details of the initiatives discussed were not publicly disclosed, the meeting’s agenda likely included updates on joint investments and projects. Recent months have seen increased trade and investment between the two countries, particularly in the energy and tourism sectors. The Council also likely addressed regional security concerns and potential avenues for coordinated diplomatic action.
Furthermore, the officials reviewed the work of various subcommittees dedicated to specific fields of cooperation. These subcommittees are crucial for implementing the broader goals outlined by the Coordination Council and ensure sustained progress. Coordination in investment projects is a key objective, aligning with both nations’ Vision 2030 plans.
The Saudi Press Agency reported that the committee members emphasized maintaining the present momentum to achieve the strategic objectives of both countries. This suggests a commitment to continuous engagement and proactive problem-solving to ensure sustained collaboration.
Historical Context and Recent Developments
The 2018-2021 blockade significantly disrupted economic ties and interpersonal relationships between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Accusations of Qatari support for extremist groups and interference in regional affairs fueled the dispute. However, mediation efforts, primarily led by Kuwait and the United States, eventually led to a breakthrough in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, in January 2021, resulting in the lifting of the blockade.
Since then, there has been a concerted effort to repair the damage and rebuild trust. High-level visits, like Sheikh Mohammed’s trip to Riyadh, have become more frequent, signaling a willingness to engage constructively. The resumption of diplomatic relations and the reopening of borders have facilitated increased economic activity and people-to-people contact. Bilateral trade has been steadily increasing, demonstrating the economic benefits of improved relations.
The renewed focus on cooperation also reflects broader shifts in regional dynamics. The need for a united front in addressing shared challenges, such as regional instability and global economic pressures, is driving a desire for closer collaboration among Gulf states. Regional stability is a key priority for both Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The signing of the meeting minutes by Prince Faisal and Sheikh Mohammed signifies a formal agreement on the discussed points and a commitment to follow through on the outlined initiatives. This procedural step is essential for ensuring accountability and progress in the implementation of the agreed-upon measures.
Attendees from the Saudi side included Minister of State Dr. Musaed Al-Aiban, Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and Eng. Fahd Al-Harthi. Their presence underscores the importance placed on the Coordination Council by various Saudi government entities.
Prior to the Executive Committee meeting, Prince Faisal received Sheikh Mohammed at the Foreign Ministry, where they engaged in further discussions regarding bilateral relations and potential areas for expanded cooperation. This initial meeting set a positive tone for the subsequent formal proceedings.
Looking ahead, the eighth meeting of the Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council is expected to take place in the coming months. While a specific date has not been announced, the meeting will likely serve as a platform to review progress, address any outstanding issues, and chart a course for future collaboration. The success of this ongoing dialogue will be a key indicator of the long-term health of Saudi-Qatar relations and its impact on regional security and economic integration. Further details regarding specific project outcomes and timelines are anticipated following the next full council meeting.
