Bahrain and Qatar decided to resume their diplomatic relations two years after the Gulf reconciliation with Doha, following meetings between the two parties that discussed the differences between the two countries, including the maritime borders.

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia , the UAE and Egypt cut ties with Qatar in 2017, accusing it of supporting extremist organizations in the region, accusing it of drawing closer to Iran, before signing a reconciliation agreement in Al-Ula in January 2021.

Despite the reconciliation agreement, relations between the two Gulf neighbors remained severed due to thorny issues, including maritime borders, as the two sides have long exchanged accusations of arresting fishermen in the territorial waters of each country.

The Bahrain News Agency stated that the Bahraini-Qatari follow-up committee held its second meeting at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in Riyadh on Wednesday.

During the meeting, it was decided to "restore diplomatic relations between the two countries," while the two sides stressed that "this step comes out of a mutual desire to develop bilateral relations and enhance Gulf integration and unity."

The Qatar News Agency also confirmed the resumption of diplomatic relations with Manama.
This reconciliation comes in the midst of regional diplomatic efforts to resolve the region's crises, especially after Saudi Arabia and Iran agreed last month to resume relations.