WASHINGTON, Jan 6, (KUNA): US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Tuesday that the US thanks Kuwait “for its mediation efforts and support in resolving the Gulf dispute”. “We are encouraged by the breakthrough made with the Al-Ula Declaration at the GCC summit, which marks a positive step toward restoring Gulf and Arab unity,” Pompeo said in a statement. He added “we welcome the pledge today to restore cooperation in military, economic, health, counter-corruption, and cultural initiatives”. “We hope the Gulf countries will continue to reconcile their differences,” he noted.

“Restoring full diplomatic relations is imperative for all parties in the region to unite against common threats”. “We are stronger when we stand together,” he stressed.

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Tuesday appreciated Kuwait’s big efforts to iron out the rift and re-unify the Gulf States. Tweeting on his official account, the minister hoped that Al-Ula agreement signed earlier in the day in Saudi Arabia would help achieve further progress and prosperity for the Gulf countries. He stressed Qatar’s opening of a new page in the Gulf ties. He emphasized that his country is also looking forward to bolster joint Arab and Gulf action to achieve common interests, overcome challenges and retain the region’s stability and security.