Qatari Emir: The blockade made us stronger

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani has said that his country is now stronger than prior to the breakout of the Gulf crisis in early June, according to a new report by Qatar’s official QNA news agency.

Chairing the Cabinet's meeting at Emiri Diwan on Wednesday, the Emir talked about the future of the state in the light of the current crisis.

"To us and to everyone, Qatar after June 2017 is different from what it was in the past. We are proud of our history, but what happened in June 2017 has strengthened us and pushed us to work more for the country," the Emir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani has said.

The Emir emphasized the importance of the next phase and the need to continue progressing towards sucessfully achieving Qatar’s 2030 vision and implementing Qatar's major development projects at their normal pace and in line with the high standards set by Qatar.

The Qatari Emir also underscored the importance of Qatar’s self-reliance in terms of national security, economy, food and medicine. He also directed the ministers to focus on domestic efforts to strengthen national economy and security as well as improve health and educational sectors.

Addressing a possibe solution to the crisis, the Qatar Emir said that “the Qatari government is ready for a solution to the Gulf crisis through dialogue. If there was an effort to reach an agreement, it should include all parties and without dictations or interference in the national sovereignty and internal affairs of any country.”

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, along with Egypt, cut diplomatic and transport ties with Qatar on June 4, accusing Doha of supporting "extremism" and their regional ally Iran - charges which Qatar has repeatedly denied.

Recently, Qatar rejected a 13-point list of demands formulated by Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the U.A.E. and Bahrain in order to restore diplomatic relations with Doha.