Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday in a telephone conversation invited Qatar’s ruler Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani to seriously tackle terrorism funding; a motive behind the decision by Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt to severe ties with the tiny Gulf state.
Trudeau according to a statement from his office “raised Canada’s concern with the funding of terrorism and extremism, wherever it takes place”, AFP reports.
Qatar has been engulfed in a crisis involving its regional neighbors and several other Muslim and Arab countries, which accuse the Emirate of funding terrorism around the world and posing a threat to their internal security. Doha has rejected the accusation saying it is fabricated.
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt have imposed sea, land and air blockades on Doha. The Saudi Arabia-led bloc also demanded Qatari residents to leave their territories.
Saudi Arabia, UAE and Bahrain have recalled all their residents in Qatar.
Trudeau also urged Sheikh Tamim to dissipate the crisis with besieging countries through dialogue.
“The leaders further discussed the need to de-escalate current tensions, limit the impact on affected families in the region, and continue to address the root causes of terrorism,” Trudeau’s office said.
