TEHRAN – The Qatari foreign minister has called on Iran and Saudi Arabia to clear up misunderstandings that have surfaced recently between the two countries through a direct dialogue.  

Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber al-Thani made the remarks in reply to a question about the problems in Tehran-Riyadh relations during an interview with reporters after his meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi in Doha on Sunday.     

During the meeting the two sides held talks over bilateral ties as well as developments taking place in the region.      

The Qatari minister called Tehran-Doha ties close and said, “We will make every effort to expand bilateral relations in all areas.” 

In a separate meeting on Sunday with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the crown prince of Qatar, Salehi said that the issue of Syria will be resolved only by the Syrian government without foreign intervention.

The Iranian minister also called on the two countries’ officials to promote cooperation and enhance bilateral ties. 

During the meeting Qatar’s crown prince also described relations as brotherly and close and said the Islamic Republic has many affinities with Qatar. 

Salehi also held a meeting with Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani on Sunday.

During his remarks, Salehi said regional stability and prosperity can be achieved only through close cooperation between regional countries without foreign intervention.   

The Qatari emir also called Tehran-Doha ties historical and said the two countries should utilize their great potential to consolidate relations in all spheres.