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Doha's overtures unlikely to lure Cairo from Gulf bloc

Recent statements by Qatari officials reflect a shift in Doha’s stance toward Egypt, but Cairo is unlikely to take any steps toward reconciliation without approval from the Gulf countries blockading Qatar.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry speaks during a joint news conference with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari (not pictured) in Baghdad, Iraq July 19, 2017.  REUTERS/Khalid al Mousily - RC1A591A8930

CAIRO — Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met Dec. 1 with his Saudi counterpart Adel al-Jubeir on the sidelines of the Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue in Rome. The two leaders discussed the Qatari crisis.

On Nov. 24, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a condolence message to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, extending his sympathies for the victims of the terrorist attack that targeted a mosque in northern Sinai. Gunmen attacked a mosque in the Egyptian province on Nov. 24 during Friday prayers, killing over 300 worshippers including 27 children.

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