Qatar and Saudi Arabia agree to open airspace, land and sea borders between the two nations
With a sudden shift from both Qatar and Saudi Arabia, an agreement has been reached to open land, sea, and air borders between the two countries as of 4 January 2020.
In 2017, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Egypt imposed a land, sea, and air blockade on the Peninsular Emirati State. The group of countries claimed that Qatar supported terrorism and demanded that the State owned Al Jazeera Networks be closed, and that Qatar break ties with Iran. Qatar was also been accused of creating instability in the region.
The blockade was imposed to force the Qatari Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to meet their demands. Qatar refused to meet the demands and set out on a self-sustainability drive.
Qatar which only shares a land border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was very dependent on the Saudi Kingdom for food security and travel airspace. However, since the blockade was imposed, Qatar within a noticeably short time, developed food security infrastructure and boosted trade relations with Turkey, Iran, and other regional countries.
Over the past 3 years, Qatar has not conceded to the 13 demands set out by the blockading nations but has prospered due to its excessive wealth and foresight.
Earlier this evening, the news was published and broadcasted that borders will open later this evening. The news comes on the eve of the Gulf Corporation Summit which the Qatari Emir has now agreed to attend in person.
Though this move by Saudi Arabia and its allies comes as good news, it is important to note that no settlement or agreement has yet been made and further discussions are to take place at the Gulf Corporation Summit.
This is an ongoing story which will be updated as we receive.