We learned that Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt decided today (5 June) to sever diplomatic ties with Qatar and to implement certain sanctions against Qatar. We are deeply saddened by this decision.

Our region is currently facing deep instability due to the ongoing crises in several countries. Regional solidarity is needed more than ever in such a period. Within this context, it is our sincere wish that the members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which have a significant role in regional peace, security and stability and with which Turkey has a strategic cooperation, would solve their differences of opinion and approach through dialogue.

It should not be forgotten that the threats and challenges, particularly terrorism, encountered by our region could only be coped with through unity and solidarity.

Turkey, as a responsible actor in its region and the current Chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, is ready to do its part with a view to finding a swift solution to this disagreement among friendly and brotherly countries.