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Chinese FM urges dialogue to resolve Qatar diplomatic crisis

TOKYO, July 21 (KUNA) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on all parties to address their differences within the framework of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), state-run Xinhua News Agency reported Friday.
"All sides should continue restraint and conduct face-to-face talks as soon as possible, so as to avoid escalation of the situation, send out a positive signal in addressing the crisis through political and diplomatic means, and reassure the role of the GCC," Wang was quoted as telling his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani saying at their meeting in Beijing Thursday.
"China appreciates and supports Kuwait's mediation efforts," Wang said, urging the international community to help create conditions to resolve the crisis at a regional level. Calling the GCC "a mature regional organization which has successfully solved many disputes," Wang expressed confidence that the Gulf countries have the capability to manage the current situation and address their differences within the GCC, according to the report. "Opposing all forms of terrorism is the common consensus of the international community, the Gulf countries can find a way to resolve the crisis through candid talks, on the basis of jointly fighting terrorism, mutual respect, non-interference in each other's domestic affairs, and staying committed to their international obligations," he said.
Al-Thani said that Qatar is willing to launch constructive talks with all sides based on respecting sovereignty, non-interference in domestic affairs and complying with international law, so as to gradually establish mutual trust and address differences fundamentally.
The Qatari foreign minister commends China's objective position on the crisis, saying that Qatar stands ready to maintain communication and coordination with China, and hoping that China will continue to play a positive role. (end) mk.gta