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Qatari Amir, British FM discuss Gulf crisis

DOHA, July 8 (KUNA) -- Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim Al-Thani held talks in Doha Saturday with British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on the Gulf crisis and its impacts on regional and international stability.
Sheikh Tamim and Johnson also discussed regional and international efforts to combat terrorist and extremism, Qatari news agency reported.
Johnson reiterated Britain's support to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's mediation to address the Gulf crisis.
Sheikh Tamim and Johnson also discussed bilateral cooperation with regards to the FIFA World Cup 2022, which would be held in Doha.
The British Foreign Secretary also met with his Qatari counterpart Sheikh Mohammad Al-Thani and discussed the Gulf crisis.
Johnson is on a tour in the region which already took him to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. He is also due to visit the UAE.
Earlier in the day, the British top diplomat met with Kuwait's First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who applauded Britain's support of Kuwaiti efforts to resolve the Gulf crisis.
The Foreign Secretary expressed anxiety regarding the continuing crisis as he called on all sides involved to contain the stalemate and hastily resolve the matter through dialogue.
Johnson, in a statement following his arrival in Saudi Arabia yesterday evening, said his visit to the Gulf aimed at reaffirming support for Kuwait's mediation to address dispute between Qatar on one side, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt on the other.
He said Britain's close and historic friendship with all of the Gulf states is becoming even more relevant and important in today's volatile world.
During his talks in the region, Johnson said he would "urge all parties to play a constructive role in order to restore the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council." (end) nnd.bs