DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - The Latest on U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson’s efforts to resolve the crisis between Qatar and four other Arab nations (all times local):
9:15 p.m.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has wrapped up talks with the king of Saudi Arabia and other officials from Arab countries lined up against Qatar without signs of a breakthrough in an increasingly entrenched dispute that has divided some of America’s most important Mideast allies.
The secretary of state’s trip from Kuwait to the western Saudi city of Jiddah on Wednesday followed discussions the previous day with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, that ended with the signing of a counterterrorism pact.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain severed relations with Qatar and cut air, sea and land routes with it over a month ago, accusing Doha of supporting extremist groups. Qatar denies the allegations.
Tillerson’s visit to Saudi Arabia included talks with King Salman and his powerful son Mohammed bin Salman, who was recently elevated to the role of crown prince, placing him next in line to the throne. He also met with the foreign ministers of the four countries in the anti-Qatar bloc.
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3:45 p.m.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has met with Saudi Arabia’s King Salman in the kingdom’s Red Sea city of Jiddah a day after visiting Qatar in an effort to end the Gulf crisis.
The Saudi Press Agency said Tillerson and the Saudi monarch discussed developments in the region and ways to combat terrorism and terror financing.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain, which severed relations with Qatar more than a month ago, issued a joint statement criticizing a counterterrorism agreement signed by Tillerson in Qatar on Tuesday.
The quartet accuses Qatar supporting extremist groups and said the memorandum “is not enough.” Qatar denies the allegations.
Tillerson is also meeting Wednesday in Jiddah with the foreign ministers of the four Arab countries.
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2 p.m.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has met with his Saudi counterpart on as he looks to end a rift between Qatar and four Arab states.
His trip from Kuwait to the western Saudi city of Jiddah on Wednesday follows talks the previous day with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He has also held discussions with the ruler of Kuwait, who is mediating the dispute.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain severed relations with Qatar and cut air, sea and land routes with it more than a month ago, accusing it of supporting extremist groups. Qatar denies the allegation.
Tillerson met with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir on arrival in the Red Sea city. He is expected to meet with officials from the rest of the quartet later in the day before returning to Kuwait.
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12:30 p.m.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is heading to Saudi Arabia as he presses forward on an effort to end a rift between Qatar and four Arab states.
His trip from Kuwait to the Red Sea city of Jiddah on Wednesday follows talks the previous day with the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He has also held discussions with the ruler of Kuwait, who is mediating the dispute.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain severed relations with Qatar and cut air, sea and land routes with it more than a month ago, accusing it of supporting extremist groups. Qatar denies the allegation.
Tillerson is expected to meet with officials from all four countries in Jiddah.
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