Gulf states reconcile their differences

Gulf states reconcile their differences
Observers suggest that Gulf tensions have been put to rest.
2 min read
20 November, 2014
The latest reconciliation between GCC states took place in Riyadh [Getty]

Saudi, Bahraini and Emirati ambassadors will return to Doha, as part of Complementary Riyadh Agreement reached during a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) meeting in the Saudi capital on 16 November.

The diplomats were withdrawn last March, marking the beginning of a serious eight-month diplomatic rift between Qatar and other Gulf states.

During the meeting it was also agreed that a summit will be held on 9 December for GCC state leaders in Doha.

Observers suggest relations among Gulf states are now back to normal. High-level Qatari sources told al-Araby al-Jadeed that the agreement, “affirms and builds upon the first Riyadh agreement reached in April earlier this year, and does not contain any new articles, demands or obligations."

     The agreement affirms and builds upon the first Riyadh agreement reached in April earlier this year.


The meeting for the first agreement took place in Saudi Arabia early this year. During the conference GCC foreign ministers confirmed their countries commitment to ensuring that GCC actions "are carried out in a collective framework, so that no policy adopted by a member state affects the interests, security, stability or sovereignty of another.”

The full text of the Riyadh Agreement has not been made public. However, reports suggest that it also calls on GCC states to ensure non-interference in the internal affairs of any member state, either directly or indirectly; and not to support individuals or organisations that threaten the security and stability of a member state, either by direct security action, political influence or by supporting hostile media.

On Monday 17 November, the emir of Qatar called Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to discuss bilateral relations. 

A statement issued by Qatar’s ministry of foreign affairs on Monday affirmed the country's commitment to Gulf solidarity and welcomed the results of the Riyadh meeting.

Gulf media also welcomed the new agreement between GCC member states, echoing sentiments found on streets across the Gulf.

In an interview with Rotana Khalijia television, Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi called on other countries not to interfere in Qatar’s foreign policy, arguing that it had no impact on security in the Gulf.

“Now the disagreement with Qatar has been resolved we can focus on the important issue of building unity across the Gulf. This can be done by creating a single currency, and strengthening the Peninsula Shield Force, which ensures military cooperation between GCC states.”

This article is an edited translation from our Arabic edition.

Opinions expressed in this article remain those of the original author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of al-Araby al-Jadeed, its editorial board or staff.