President Hassan Rouhani has again expressed support for Qatar, describing the land, marine and air blockade on the tiny emirate by its Arab neighbors as unfair and urging the Persian Gulf Arab states to “resolve differences through dialogue and negotiations.”
Rouhani made the remark during in a telephone talk with the Emir of Qatar bin Hamad Al Thani on Monday and expressed the hope that Tehran and Doha can use their potential to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations, Mehr News Agency reported.
The dispute began in June 2017 when the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt under Saudi tutelage cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting "extremism and terrorism" in the Middle East and fostering close relations with Iran. Doha has denied the terror charges.
Rouhani reiterated Iran's backing for Qatar amid the dispute.
The president emphasized that Tehran is pursuing a policy of engagement and dialogue with the countries of the region to end differences and create stability and security in line with the interest of the peoples of the region, saying that the “adventurous policies of some countries in the region are wrong.”
Rouhani added that the wrong policies can exacerbate the crises in the region, especially in Palestine, Syria and Yemen.
"Today, the people of Palestine, in particular Gazans, are living under immense pressure and are being attacked by the Zionist regime on a daily basis. Therefore our collective support can be effective in alleviating their plight," Rouhani told Sheikh Hamad.
Yemen Crisis
He reiterated that there is no military solution to the Yemen crisis, calling on everyone to help establish stability and security in the war-torn country.
Rouhani said that the recent attack on Hudeidah port by the US-backed Saudi-led coalition has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, adding that the continuation of war would inflict more pressures on the impoverished nation.
It is the duty of all to help the oppressed and defenseless people of Yemen, the president noted.
Personal Watch
Sheikh Hamad said the long-standing bilateral relations are developing on a daily basis, adding that his state is determined to strengthen ties in all fields.
The Qatari leader said he is personally overseeing the process of developing relations between the two Persian Gulf neighbors.
He expressed his appreciation to the people and the government of Iran for their support during the ongoing blockade, saying that Qatar will never forget the Iranian support and understanding.
”We believe that resolving all disputes in the region is possible only through dialogue, and no country can impose its position on other countries,” he stressed.
