The Qatari Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, said that he welcomed any dialogue and positive spirit that concerns Iran's relations with the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia in particular. Al Thani stressed Doha's support for such dialogue and said he was certain that dialogue will have a significant impact on regional stability.
The comments were given during an interview with the Doha-based international broadcaster, Al Jazeera. Al Thani added that Gulf states are concerned to have a dialogue with Iran over issues that are related to them, especially in light of mutual concerns between the two sides. Al Thani said that Gulf states and Iran need to agree on a format for this dialogue.
Al Thani said there are ongoing Qatari contacts with Washington and Tehran to urge them to engage in a positive dialogue most notably over the nuclear file stressing that Doha does not want to increase tensions that have a negative impact on Qatar and the region. He hoped that the Vienna talks would succeed and that the negotiations would reflect in wider regional efforts and regional dialogue with Iran.
The interview touched upon other regional developments. Al Thani welcomed the steps taken by Turkey to mend ties with Saudi Arabia and Egypt and urged the two Arab states to continue to engage with Ankara. He also welcomes the resumption of relations between Somalia and Kenya.