Qatari and Emirati leaders discuss a quantum leap in diplomatic ties
Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, Emir of Qatar, spoke by telephone about intensifying cooperation at all levels to promote the shared interests of the two nations, Emirati news agency WAM reports. The two sides discussed a variety of regional and international issues and topics of shared interest during the meeting. A significant improvement in cooperation, according to the same source. Within the framework of solidarity as Gulf countries and in the framework of the "Al-Ula Declaration", the UAE and Qatar have made significant progress in establishing and enhancing their mutual relations.
The meeting between two official delegations from the two nations in Abu Dhabi on 4 April marked the culmination of this change. The Al-Ula Declaration, which was issued at the 2021 Gulf Summit hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is being continued at this meeting for the fourth time. In order to discuss joint mechanisms and procedures to implement the Al-Ula Declaration and emphasise the importance of consolidating relations between the two countries, including the development of joint work to achieve common interests between them.
The 41st Gulf Summit, held in Al-Ula, northwest Saudi Arabia, resulted in the issuance of a 117-point declaration known as the "Al-Ula Declaration", which outlined the Gulf nations' objectives for enhancing cooperation in various areas, as well as their positions on various regional and global issues. The UAE delegation was led by Ali Saeed Matar al-Neyadi, while the Qatari delegation was led by Dr Ahmed bin Hassan al-Hammadi, secretary general of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The sharpness of the strength and cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the unity of ranks and the fact that its countries are united in the face of any threat to any of the GCC countries," was one of the aspects emphasised by the Gulf leaders.
The Al-Ula Declaration stressed the unity and stability of the Arab and Islamic communities in the Gulf, the growth of cohesion and unity among the GCC nations, the restoration of normal joint work in the Gulf and the maintenance of security and stability in the area. The Al-Ula Declaration stressed the importance of improving the tools of governance, transparency, accountability and integrity, and combating corruption through joint action in the Gulf and in all GCC bodies, offices and specialised organisations; and benefiting from the G20 framework and the "Riyadh Initiative" regarding cooperation in the investigation of cross-border corruption cases and the prosecution of its perpetrators.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan visited Doha on 5 December and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani visited the UAE on 18 January to participate in the "fraternal consultative meeting", which was organised after the agreement was reached. Once the agreement was reached, steps were taken to return relations to their normal course, making 2022 the year of a qualitative leap in relations. A regional consensus that ensures peace and stability in the region as a whole and benefits its countries is crucial, observers say, especially in light of the significant changes witnessed by the international system, especially after the crisis in Ukraine.
The recent intensification of communication between Dubai and Doha and the rapprochement of the two countries' leaders confirms the relentless pursuit of strengthening brotherhood and embodies a common belief in this. Observers reached by Al-Ain say the High Level Meetings held between the two nations promote the coordination of cooperation on issues of common interest at the global, regional and Gulf levels. It also reflects the enthusiasm of the two nations to strengthen solidarity among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which was founded in the UAE 42 years ago.