Qatar blockade: Trump speaks with Gulf state leaders, urges unity

A group of Arab nations has accused Qatar of supporting Muslim extremists, among other things.

The US President Donald Trump has spoken separately with several leaders of nations in the Persian Gulf region and addressed ongoing disputes between Qatar and some of its Arab neighbours.

The White House says Trump urged unity and reiterated the importance of stopping terrorist financing and discrediting extremist ideology.

Trump spoke yesterday night with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi, and Emir Tamin bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar.

The White House says Trump underscored that unity in the region is critical to accomplishing the Riyadh Summit's goals of defeating terrorism and promoting regional stability.

A group of Arab nations has accused Qatar of supporting Muslim extremists, among other things.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and its allies on Monday have decided to extend by 48 hours the deadline for Qatar to accept their list of demands to lift a de facto blockade.

PTI