WASHINGTON, Apr 6: The White House said today that President Donald Trump would host Qatar’s Emir at the White House later this month, hoping to end a spat that has riven America’s Gulf allies.
In a statement, the White House said the meeting with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani would take place on April 10.
“The President looks forward to discussing ways to strengthen ties between the United States and Qatar and to advance our common security and economic priorities.”
Trump had hoped to host a summit of Gulf leaders, hoping to ease a crisis that has seen Qatar put under virtual blockade by neighbors in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
That plan now appears to have been delayed in favour of a bilateral meeting between the US and Qatari leaders.
Trump had taken a hard line against Qatar, saying the country needed to scale back ties with Iran and stop funding extremism.
Aides — mindful of the pivotal role that the Al Udeid Air Base outside Doha plays in US Middle East operations — have since convinced him to take a more moderate approach. (AGENCIES)
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