LOC17:55
14:55 GMT
RIYADH, Dec 21 (KUNA) -- GCC Secretary-General Abdullatif Al-Zayani expressed here on Sunday satisfaction with the initiative of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz aimed at consolidating and strengthening relations between Egypt and Qatar.
Al-Zayani emphasized in a press statement that the initiative came within the context of King Abdullah's keenness on deepening Arab solidarity in order to face major challenges that the Arab world faces.
The initiative also reflects Saudi Arabi'as central role in enhancing Arab-Arab relations that contribute to development in Arab countries, he said, stressing that the initiative was successful due to the wide respect and trust for King Abdullah on the part of the region's leaders and peoples.
The Saudi Royal Diwan had expressed its welcome regarding ongoing steps that would strengthen relations between Egypt and Qatar, responding to the King's initiative aimed at turning over a new chapter of their relations.
Earlier on Saturday, Egyptian President Abdelfatah Al-Sisi met Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdel-Rahman Al-Thani, the Qatari Amir's special envoy, in Cairo, as part of Saudi-brokered reconciliation, in a move that was hailed by Riyadh as the opening of "a new page" between the two Arab states.
Ak-Sisi also met Khalid Al-Tuwaijri, the head of the Saudi Royal Diwan and personal secretary of Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for the same purpose. (end)
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