Turkey’s top diplomat to push for end to rift

DOHA: The search for a solution to the diplomatic crisis in the Gulf intensified Wednesday as Turkey’s top diplomat landed in Qatar. Mevlut Cavusoglu, foreign minister of one of Qatar’s strongest allies, is expected to hold talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, on a mission that could also see him travel to Saudi Arabia.

“Saudi Arabia has the potential and capability to solve this crisis as a wise state and big brother of the region and also as a major actor,” Turkey’s presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Wednesday. “We aim to involve all actors in this process.”

Before heading to Doha, Cavusoglu said that “if the program allows I will also visit Saudi Arabia,” in quotes reported by the Anadolu news agency.

“It is very useful to take into account the opinions and suggestions of Saudi Arabia.”

He added that the situation “was causing great discomfort for everybody,” especially during Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan — who has described the decision by Gulf states to cut political and economic ties with Qatar as “inhumane” — is expected to hold phone talks with US President Donald Trump in the coming days.

In addition, the Turkish president’s spokesman said a trilateral meeting between Ankara, Paris and Doha was planned.

Doha-based airline Qatar Airways has been banned from using the airspace of neighboring countries since measures were announced on June 5.

However, the carrier said services were largely unaffected by the decision in a statement Wednesday.

“Qatar Airways’ global operations continue to run smoothly, with the vast majority of our network unaffected by the current circumstances,” said Chief Executive Akbar Al-Baker.