DOHA, 22 March 2021 – Mauritania has resumed diplomatic relations with Qatar, ending a four-year freeze, according to a joint statement by both countries.
“After intensive contacts over the past week and with much-appreciated support from the Sultanate of Oman, the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Qatar decided to resume diplomatic ties,” the Mauritanian state news agency reported Monday citing the country’s foreign ministry.
Mauritania and Qatar Announce Resumption of Ties – Photo Pledge Times
The thaw in relations comes after the foreign ministers of both countries held talks in the Qatari capital, Doha, on Sunday.
The foreign ministers of both countries “reviewed bilateral cooperation relations and the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two brotherly countries”, according to a tweet posted Monday by the Qatar News Agency.
In 2017, Mauritania followed the lead of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain in cutting diplomatic ties with Qatar after the three Arab powers accused Doha of reportedly supporting terrorists.
Qatar being Embraced Anew by Neighbors – Photo Tesfa News
The Blockade of Qatar Comes to an End – Photo Middle East Eye
Qatar has always denied the charge.
The freeze effectively meant that Qatar was under a travel, trade, financial and economic blockade from some of its most important trading partners.
Last January, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain announced that they were restoring diplomatic, trade, and travel ties with Qatar.
