Pics: Salim Matramkot / The Peninsula
The 41st Gulf Summit, which was held in Al-Ula on January 5 this year, drew a road map for Gulf reconciliation and laid down basic principles for overcoming the dispute and also shaped rules for governing states’ relations for the future.
The reconciliation agreement opened new horizons for Gulf cooperation and solidarity, which was considered as a victory for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), as the agreement ended the exceptional situation that the region was unfamiliar with and expanded the scope of dialogue within the GCC countries.
The rapid development of Saudi-Qatari relations and their fast return to the pre-crisis situation, the exchange of ambassadors and visits at the highest levels, were the most prominent features that distinguished the dynamism and vitality of the relationship of these two countries, and distinguished the course of their relations from other parties within the framework of efforts to implement the principles set up by Al-Ula Summit to end the crisis.
There are strong social and family ties between the Saudi and Qatari societies, and the relationship of the two peoples cannot be compared to other foreign countries. Therefore, at the level of citizens and countries, it is still strong.
This is mainly because of the peculiarity of the relationship of their peoples, the political will of the leadership, the awareness of society and the well-established traditions of managing disputes, as expressed by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the State of Qatar, His Highness Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al Saud, during his first exclusive interview with a Qatari media outlet.
During the interview with The Peninsula, H H Prince Mansour bin Khalid bin Farhan Al Saud shed light on a number of issues related to the Kingdom’s relationship with the State of Qatar, peculiarity of ties between the two countries, and prospects for bilateral cooperation in economic and political fields, as well as in investments and development projects.
He talked about the keenness of leadership of the two countries to enhance joint Gulf action and other issues.
After the Al-Ula Summit and declaration of Gulf reconciliation, the Saudi-Qatari relations have witnessed a rapid and remarkable development; what helped this? What distinguishes the relationship of the two countries within the framework of the Gulf? Is there a special characteristic of the relationship of the two countries?
What helped the rapid return of the Saudi-Qatari relations more than other courses are two reasons: The first is the will and wisdom of the leadership in the two countries, which is the solid foundation on which we stand.
The second aspect is that the Saudi-Qatari relations have their own peculiarity, and we consider them exceptional. We have deep-rooted historical ties with the brothers in the State of Qatar and we have social, political, security, economic and cultural bonds with each other. In other words, our ties are not limited to one aspect but rather include all aspects of life.
What helped the rapid return of the Saudi-Qatari relations more than other courses are two reasons; the first is the will and wisdom of the leadership in the two countries, which is the solid foundation on which we stand.
The security and strategic dimension of ties between the two countries cannot be overlooked by virtue of neighbourliness, social and familial interaction between the two countries, as well as by virtue of old understanding and love that existed between the two ruling families in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
These are the peculiarities that helped speed up reconciliation and opened new horizons for the two countries’ relations, as we see now on the ground. This understanding and harmony represent a strong starting point for cooperation and strengthening relations in all fields.
Can you tell us about the Saudi-Qatari Joint Committee, and what are the most important tasks assigned to it, and its achievements so far? Is the committee still working within the framework of clearing the effects of the Gulf crisis or has moved to the next stage of enhancing bilateral cooperation?
There are two joint Saudi-Qatari committees—Legal committee and follow-up committee. Both of them were formed after Al-Ula Summit.
These joint committees have met several times, almost every month they meet respectively in Doha and Riyadh. The last meeting took place here in Doha at the end of September and the next meeting will be held in Riyadh at the end of this month. They have held so far six rounds and they discussed all the files and matters in-depth with transparency and managed to solve many pending matters.
Discussions are taking place in a constructive, fraternal and friendly atmosphere and will eventually reach full agreement on all issues.
Following the Al-Ula reconciliation, there were expectation for the immediate resumption of usual movement of people and goods between the two countries. Despite light movement it has not reached to its previous levels. What is the reason? Are there any obstacles that are preventing this?
I would like to stress that there are no obstacles on the Saudi side. This issue was discussed with our brothers on the Qatari side, and according to what is known, the obstacles are summarised in matters related to health precautionary measures applied by the State of Qatar and the Kingdom to prevent spread of coronavirus. The meetings are discussing issue of trade exchange and facilitating the smooth movement of goods and individuals between the two countries. It will be resolved as soon as possible with the support of the two governments.
The joint Saudi-Qatari committees have held so far six rounds and they discussed all the files and matters in-depth with transparency and they managed to solve many pending matters.
Does your meeting with the Qatari Businessmen Association fall within this framework?
Yes, I met with the Qatari Businessmen Association to push in this direction, and the meeting was fruitful. We talked about the importance of revitalising the role and work of the Saudi-Qatari Businessmen Council, which was functioning before the Gulf crisis and was effective. It will have an important role in revitalising trade exchange between the two countries. There is an agreement between the two sides to resume the activity of this Council in near future, Allah willing.
What are the most important files being given priority in the bilateral relations?
For us all files and issues are equally important. We have a new dynamism in the relations between the two brotherly countries.
Therefore, the upcoming Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council will have an important and key role to enhance relations and cooperation in all fields.
We have a new dynamic in the developing relations between the two brotherly countries. Therefore, the upcoming Saudi-Qatari Coordination Council will have an important and key role to enhance relations and cooperation between the two countries in all fields.
The protocol of this council was signed during the official visit of H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs to Riyadh recently.
The Gulf crisis began politically and at the higher levels but it affected the societies; how can two countries work to address this matter?
From the reality of my contacts with the Qatari society and what I know about the Saudi society, I can say that everyone understands the importance of relations that bind the two countries, and everyone understands that this relationship is not easily separated. There are strong social and family ties between the Saudi and Qatari societies, and the relationship of the two peoples cannot be compared to other foreign countries therefore, at the level of citizens and countries, it is still strong.
There is a strong and overwhelming joy for the reconciliation and return of relationship between the two countries and this is what I personally feel.
From the reality of my contacts with the Qatari society and what I know about the Saudi society, I can say that everyone understands the importance of relations that bind the two countries, and everyone understands that this relationship is not easily separated.
I would like to add on this point, which is a sincere invitation to the media professionals in the two countries to reflect actual situation and look at the positive aspects and political will of the leadership of the two countries and feelings of citizens. The media plays an influential and important role in enhancing the positive achievements which have been made and which are real.
If the media is not keeping pace with these good and positive feelings between the two sides, the general perception becomes unclear and subject to different interpretations. And when the media reflects this reality and represents what exists, it will undoubtedly discover that the feelings of citizens in both countries are good, strong, loving and sincere. We are very keen to restore the glow of these special and strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
There are joint Saudi-Qatari projects and others at the level of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. What is the possibility of reviving these projects in a short term?
Joint projects exist and there is great interest in both countries to enhance cooperation in economic and investment ties. The meetings are being held by the competent authorities in many fields, especially businessmen and investors, to discuss the implementation of these projects.
There is a strong will between the two sides to strengthen the economic and trade ties and raise their level and make them one of the main aspects of the relations of the two countries.
At the Gulf level, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar attach great importance to the Railway Project to link the two countries by land.
There are committees comprising representatives from the ministries of transportation in the two countries which are working in this aspect, and there are reciprocal visits between officials of the two countries.
At the Gulf level, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar attach great importance to the Railway Project to link the two countries by land. There are committees comprising representatives from the ministries of transportation in the two countries which are working in this aspect, and there are reciprocal visits between officials of the two countries.
The GCC countries are interested in this railway connection network, and every country is working on studying and implementing it, and we expect the results of these meetings to appear in the near future in a way that reflect the concern for the importance of the railway network that will link the Gulf States because it achieves the interests of their peoples.
The State of Qatar is set to organise the Arab Cup, a month later; and next year it will organise the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. How do you see this progress and what support can the Kingdom provide to Qatar to ensure the success of these events?
Definitely we are very happy and in fact impressed by all the preparations made by the Qatari brothers for the Arab Cup next month and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
They are doing great achievements and we definitely support that, happy with that, and we wish them all the best.
We are very happy and in fact impressed by all the preparations made by the Qatari brothers for the Arab Cup next month and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. They are doing great achievements and we definitely support that, happy with that, and we wish them all the best.
We are absolutely at the disposal of our brothers here to help in any way we can to make these two important events successful. Their success in this regard is success of whole region including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Do you see the possibility of benefiting from the Qatari experience in making Saudi Arabia an important and attractive sports tourism hub?
There is no doubt that the State of Qatar has been interested in sports tourism for a long time and has accomplished important achievements in this regard. On the basis of these achievements, it has obtained the honour of hosting the first FIFA Arab Cup in December 2021, and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and many other regional and international sporting events in various fields.
The experience of the brothers in Qatar is a rich one and it is considered a successful role model, and it is possible to exchange its experiences and there are capabilities to benefit from the Qatari experience in this field.
Within the framework of comprehensive development vision 2030, the Kingdom is implementing giant development projects including the modern city of Neom in the Tabuk area. Is there a role for Qatari investments in these projects?
Undoubtedly, the Neom City project is one of the giant projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are many giant projects that the Kingdom is implementing to achieve the Vision 2030, in the Neom region, in the Red Sea, in Al-Ula archaeological areas and other regions of the Kingdom.
The tourism aspect is now taking a great interest which it did not enjoy in the past and such establishments have become more important to diversify sources of economic income in the Kingdom.
The importance of these projects lies in the fact that they provide investment opportunities for our brothers in the Gulf countries, especially the State of Qatar, and all investors from the world.
We urge and encourage them to invest in these projects, including mega projects in the Neom City and in all other sectors. We welcome Qatari and international investments in all these development projects. We expect that there will be an effective participation from the Qatari side in many projects being implemented by the Kingdom.
The Kingdom has opened its doors to direct investments, and what we are witnessing now in light of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 is a great increase and a very big leap in field of foreign investments.
In light of these huge Saudi investment projects, can we say that the time when the Gulf States were exporting their capital to Europe, the US and Asia in search of investment opportunities has ended and a new era has begun in which these countries attract international investment?
Foreign investments have succeeded in many countries of the world, and the intention was not to attract investments to one region or from a specific region, rather according to a general concept, which is to create conducive atmosphere for investors from different countries of the world and to provide them with investment opportunities.
Many countries have succeeded in attracting more capital and investments by providing the necessary legislation and incentives that encourage investors to enter into investment projects, confident of their capital and investments. Thus, investment is not limited to attracting capital from one region, but wherever opportunities are available, investors turn, whether in the Kingdom or other Gulf countries.
There is no doubt that the Gulf countries have investments in the Kingdom, as well as the Kingdom in these countries, and the same for the other countries of the world.
The broader concept of investment is related to common interests. And the Kingdom has opened its doors to direct investments, and what we are witnessing now in light of the Vision 2030 is a great increase and a very big leap in field of foreign investments. We hope that this vision will succeed and achieve its goals by 2030 and beyond.
How do you see the role of Qatari diplomacy in resolving some regional issues and making the region a major player in international politics? Is there any cooperation and coordination between the two states in this regard?
Qatar’s diplomacy has been successful and its role in Afghanistan crisis is one of the significant proofs. We have seen international figures flock to Qatari capital, Doha, in appreciation of its important role in settling the Afghan crisis.
Also, we understand very much that Qatar is keen to empower the GCC, help in strengthening its unity in terms of regional and international cooperation. Because the main objective of the GCC and individual countries in the region including Saudi Arabia and Qatar is to make peace, ensure security and stability. So, this is very important matter for all of us.
With the easing of precautionary measures imposed to prevent spread of COVID-19, when will residents of Qatar be allowed to travel by road to perform the pilgrimage?
Currently, the measures imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 are still in place and the Kingdom has begun to ease them. By the grace of Allah, the infection cases have dropped significantly, vaccination rate has also increased in the Kingdom covering large number of population. For this reason, the precautionary restrictions have been eased in the Kingdom.
That is why we are now witnessing a significant increase in the number of pilgrims, but the process of organising Haj and Umrah is dependent on electronic system, which is very important to ensure safety of all pilgrims and residents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Preventive measures are now in the process of gradual lifting in light of decline of coronavirus pandemic which we hope will be completely eliminated and things will return to normal situation like they were in the past.
