Djibouti Reduces Level of Diplomatic Relations With Qatar

Djibouti decided to join the diplomatic blockade of Qatar "as an expression of solidarity".

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Djibouti has reduced its level of diplomatic relations with Qatar over the latest regional diplomatic crisis, the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement Wednesday.

"The Government of the Republic of Djibouti officially announces that it has taken the decision to reduce the level of its diplomatic representation in Qatar. The decision of the Government of Djibouti has been taken as an expression of solidarity with the international coalition of combating terrorism and extremism violence, as well as with the Gulf countries and the Arab countries," the statement read.

Djibouti also urged the concerned parties to resolve the dispute through dialogue.

On June 5, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates severed diplomatic relations with Qatar. The states accused Qatar of supporting terrorist groups, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood terrorist movement, as well as of interfering in other countries' domestic affairs. Libya made a similar decision. Yemen cut diplomatic relations citing Doha's links with Houthis. The Maldives took the same step, citing extremism and terrorism concerns. Mauritius joined the boycott. Mauritania broke off diplomatic ties with Qatar while Jordan downgraded ties with the country on June 6. The Comoros joined the campaign on June 7.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry rejected the accusations of Doha's interference in other countries' domestic affairs and expressed regret over the decision of the Gulf States to cut off the diplomatic ties with it.