Qatar–Saudi Arabia relations
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Saudi Arabia–Qatar relations refers to the current and historical relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar. Prior to 2017, the two countries maintained cordial ties. Qatar was mainly subservient to Saudi Arabia in matters relating to foreign policy.[1] Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani's assumption of power saw Qatar reclaim its sovereignty in foreign affairs, often diverging from Saudi Arabia on many geopolitical issues. In 1996, the Qatari government launched Al Jazeera in a bid to consolidate soft power. One of the most watched news stations in the Arab world, Al Jazeera proved to be a wedge in the two's bilateral relations as it routinely criticized Saudi Arabia's ruler.[2] The network also provided a platform for Islamist groups which are considered a threat to Saudi Arabia's monarchy.[3]
Qatar contributed 1,000 troops to the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. On 5 June 2017, Saudi Arabia along with Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates severed all ties with Qatar. The reason given was Qatar's "embrace of various terrorist and sectarian groups aimed at destabilising the region".[4] As part of this campaign, the Saudi-led quartet closed off their airspaces, territorial waters and land borders to Qatar.[5] Saudi Arabia also suspended Qatar's involvement in the Yemen campaign.[6]
On 4 January 2021, Qatar and Saudi Arabia agreed to reopen airspace, land and maritime borders, with the expectation to fully restore diplomatic relations.[7][8] On 16 January, the Saudi announced it would reopen its embassy in Qatar.[9] On 9 January 2021, Saudi Customs resumed operations with Qatar at the Salwa border crossing, and on 14 February 2021, the trade of goods between Qatar and Saudi Arabia resumed through the Abu Samra border crossing.[10]