Egypt understands Bahrain's boycotting Gulf summits attended by Qatar

Egypt stressed on Tuesday solidarity and understanding for the Bahraini decision of boycotting all the Gulf summits that Qatar will take part in, Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement.

"Egypt totally understands the stand of Hamad Bin Essa al-Khalifa, king of Bahrain not to take part in the meetings or summits of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in which Qatar will participate," spokesperson of the foreign ministry, Ahmad Abu Zeid said.

Bahrain's foreign minister on Monday suggested suspending Qatar's GCC membership until it accepts the demands of the Arab countries boycotting Doha.

"Bahrain decision is a matter of sovereignty to face the damages that harmed it due to the negative Qatari policies in the past years," the statement added.

Egypt also underscored solidarity with Bahrain in all the decisions it has taken to preserve security and stability of its people, it added.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt on June 5 severed ties with Qatar over accusations of supporting extremism and being too close to Shiite rival Iran, charges Doha has denied.

source: xinhua