US Secretary of State meets Qatar Foreign Minister amid gulf standoff

APD NEWS

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US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson met with his Qatar counterpart Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday amid the country's tense standoff with its gulf neighbors.

Earlier this month, eight countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt severed diplomatic ties with Qatar amid allegations that Doha supported terrorist groups.

"While some of the elements will be very difficult for Qatar to meet, there are significant areas which provide a basis for ongoing dialogue leading to resolution," Tillerson said in a statement.

He also added that the relevant countries should "sit together and continue this conversation." As a key US ally, Qatar plays a significant role in fighting against ISIL.

(CGTN)