Qatari FM in Algeria to discuss U.S. Jerusalem decision, Gulf crisis

ALGIERS, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Monday started a two-day visit to Algeria to discuss the latest U.S. move on Jerusalem and the diplomatic crisis in the Gulf.

The top Qatari diplomat was welcomed upon his arrival at Houarai Boumediene International Airport of Algiers by his Algerian counterpart, Abdelkader Messahel.

The Qatari top diplomat is due to hold talks with Algerian officials about bilateral relations and prevailing issues in the Arab region, notably the recent decision of U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The U.S. decision on Dec. 6 has sparked widespread protests from the Palestinians and leaders of Arab countries. Jerusalem is revered by Muslims as the third holiest site in Islam.

The blockade imposed by a number of Arab and Gulf countries on Qatar is also on the agenda, as Algeria has already urged Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt to resort to dialogue as the only way to resolve their differences.

The Saudi-led bloc has severed diplomatic ties with Qatar and imposed a blockade on Doha since early June, citing Qatar's support to terrorism and interference in the internal affairs of Gulf neighbors. Qatar has denied all the charges.

Ahead of the Qatari minister's visit, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika wrote to Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to hail the "exceptional" ties in all areas between the two countries.

Bouteflika further expressed his "willingness to work towards strengthening these relationships to hoist them at the highest level, in the best interests of both peoples."

Qatar has a couple of investment projects in Algeria, particularly in the field of steel, with the ongoing construction of a mega plant in the province of Jijel, in the east of the country. Enditem