Global Courant 2023-05-16 12:29:09
The Gulf states announced a restoration of ties in April, resolving a 2017 dispute.
Qatar and Bahrain will resume flights between the two countries from May 25, in an ongoing process of normalizing ties.
Bahrain’s civil aviation affairs announced the move on Monday, according to Bahrain’s state news agency.
The resumption of flights between the two is “within the framework of fraternal relations between the two fraternal countries and peoples, and in a manner that realizes the common aspirations of the leaders and citizens of both countries,” the state service said.
The Gulf states announced a restoration of ties last month when their respective foreign delegates met on April 12 at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.
In 2017, Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, severed ties and imposed a blockade on Qatar over claims it was too close to Iran and supported hardline groups, allegations Doha has always vehemently denied.
The four Arab countries had banned Qatari planes and ships from using their airspace and waters and cut off trade ties. However, in 2021, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt have resumed these ties, although the UAE and Qatar have yet to open their respective embassies.
Bahrain’s dispute with Qatar has focused mainly on the latter’s relationship with Iran and issues along their maritime border.
In January, the Crown Prince of Bahrain and the Emir of Qatar had a phone call to discuss their differences, a move that foreshadowed the thawing relationship between the two.
The restoration of ties comes amid a number of other efforts to resolve regional disputes, including bringing Syria back into the Arab League and reviving ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
