Maldives has reinstated the full diplomatic relations with Qatar, after nearly three years since the island nation severed ties with the Gulf nation. The move comes after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations lifted the embargo on Qatar, bringing to end a years-long deeply divisive diplomatic crisis.
“Maldives welcomes the positive developments following the annual summit of Gulf Cooperation Council,” a per a tweet by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid stated. “I have had fruitful discussions with the #Qatari authorities and am pleased to announce Government of #Maldives decision to reinstate full diplomatic relations with Qatar.”
Maldives welcomes the positive developments following the annual summit of Gulf Cooperation Council. I have had fruitful discussions with the #Qatari authorities and am pleased to announce Government of #Maldives decision to reinstate full diplomatic relations with Qatar.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) January 6, 2021
Maldives severed diplomatic relations with Qatar in June 2017 during President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration, after Saudi Arabia launched its embargo against Qatar.
Reinstating diplomatic relations with both Qatar and the Commonwealth – both of which were severed during Yameen’s administration – had been one of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s electoral pledges.
