In order to bring unity and cordial relationship, Qatar and Bahrain are resolving a years-long dispute and restoring diplomatic ties.
The restoration of ties comes amid a number of other efforts to resolve regional disputes, including between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
Agreement on the reconciliation was reached in talks at the Gulf Cooperation Council headquarters in Saudi Arabia, Qatar’s foreign ministry said.
The neighbours “decided to restore diplomatic relations between the two countries according to the principles of the United Nations charter”, said a foreign ministry statement.
“The two sides affirmed that this step stems from the mutual desire to develop bilateral relations and enhance Gulf unity and integration,” it added.
That year, Bahrain, along with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, imposed a diplomatic blockade on Qatar over claims it was too close to Iran and backed hardline groups, allegations Doha has always firmly denied.
Back in January, Bahrain’s crown prince and the Qatari Emir had a phone call to discuss their differences, in a move that foreshadowed thawing relations between the two.
The four Arab countries had banned Qatari planes and ships from using their airspace and waters, and cut trade links. In 2021, however, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt resumed these ties, although the UAE and Qatar have yet to open their respective embassies.
Bahrain’s dispute with Qatar centred mostly on the latter’s relationship with Iran and issues along their maritime border.