Tensions Ease in the Gulf After Saudi Arabia and Qatar Agree to Open Borders

After three and a half years of tensions, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and several other Gulf countries are expected to sign an agreement on Tuesday, putting an end to the ongoing diplomatic crisis in the Gulf.

Borders and Airspace Open Between Saudi Arabia and Qatar

In 2017, a Saudi coalition severed ties with Qatar restricting their airspace and sea routes to Qatari planes and vessels. Now, just ahead of the signing of the agreement, the foreign minister of Kuwait announced that the borders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar would be reopened again on Monday.

The countries reached the agreement several weeks ago, after Kushner, Avi Berkowitz, and Brian Hook traveled to the GCC summit in Saudi Arabia to facilitate negotiations between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Sheikh Tamim. Although the agreement was too close to falling apart due to a last-minute miscommunication between the two officials, the issue was quickly resolved.