Maldives follows Saudi Arabia and allies' decision to restore ties with Qatar
Decision reached following “fruitful” discussions with Qatari authorities
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The government of Maldives will be restoring diplomatic ties with Qatar.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid announced the country’s decision “to reinstate full diplomatic relations with Qatar” via Twitter on Wednesday.
The minister added that the decision was reached following “fruitful” discussions with Qatari authorities.
While Shahid also noted the “positive developments” following the annual summit of Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain had announced the decision to restore ties with Qatar at the summit. On Monday night, Saudi Arabia agreed to reopen its land and sea borders and airspace to Qatar.
All four nations cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar in June 2017, over allegations of supporting “terrorist” organizations.
Maldives’ decision to sever ties with the nation came hours after this, with then-government saying the decision was based on the island nation’s “firm opposition to activities that encourage terrorism and extremism”.
Shortly after the current administration took over, the parliament, in July 2019, inquired on the progress of the work being done to restore ties with Qatar.
Maldives established diplomatic relations with Qatar on May 26, 1984.
