Anwar Gargash: UAE ‘appreciates’ Kuwaiti-US efforts to end Gulf crisis

The comments came amid efforts to mediate a resolution to the three-year rift

The UAE expressed appreciation for Kuwait and America’s efforts to resolve the Gulf crisis, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash said on Tuesday.

The comments came after Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said on Friday that he hoped “fruitful” talks could resolve the three-year dispute in the Gulf.

"UAE appreciates Kuwait's efforts and the US endeavours towards reinforcing solidarity in the Arab Gulf and we support the good Saudi efforts on behalf of the four countries," Dr Gargash said on Twitter. “[The UAE] affirms that the relations of the Cooperation Council with Egypt are an essential pillar in preserving Arab security and stability in the region, and looks forward to a successful Gulf summit.”

No date has yet been announced for an upcoming GCC meeting but it comes amid increasing diplomatic efforts to resolve the Qatar crisis. In 2017, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain cut ties with Qatar accusing it of backing terrorist groups and interfering in the affairs of neighbouring states. Doha denies the accusations and repeated efforts to negotiate a resolution have not yet been successful.

However, the outgoing administration of US President Donald Trump have been stepping up efforts to start a dialogue, with senior adviser Jared Kushner visiting both Riyadh and Doha last week in what was considered as the latest attempt to bring the rift to an end.

Sheikh Ahmed Nasser Al Mohammad, Kuwait’s foreign minister, told Kuwaiti state television that discussions over the crisis had been ongoing under the country’s emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad, and President Trump.

“Fruitful discussions have taken place in the past period, where all parties affirmed their keenness on Gulf and Arab solidarity and stability and on reaching a final agreement that achieves the aspired permanent solidarity between their countries,” Sheikh Nawaf said.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Friday that Secretary General Antonio Guterres was encouraged by reports that the “Gulf rift is close to a resolution” and called for “unity” and an end to the crisis.