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Arab States to Restore Ties With Qatar as Three-Year Rift Ends

Dispute with Qatar over politics has divided GCC since 2017
Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt agree to Qatar ties

Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud during a press conference on Jan. 5. — Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud during a press conference on Jan. 5.
Photographer: FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

By

Farah Elbahrawy, and

Reema Al Othman

January 5, 2021, 4:39 PM UTCUpdated onJanuary 5, 2021, 5:01 PM UTC

Four Arab states agreed to fully restore ties with Qatar, Saudi Arabia said on Tuesday, ending a more than three-year dispute that divided the major energy-producing region at a time of heightened tensions over Iran.

Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt made the pledge after the kingdom hosted a Gulf Cooperation Council summit of regional leaders.