Russia hopes anti-terror efforts stay unaffected by Qatar row

Moscow [Russia], June 7 (ANI): Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Russia hopes that the diplomatic rift between the Gulf and North African countries and Qatar does not affect the resolve to fight terrorism. "As an active participant in the overall process of combating international terrorism, Russia hopes that this situation will not in any way affect the general spirit and determination in the fight against terrorism," Peskov told reporters, Sputnik International reports. Russia advocates in favour of a non-violent and stable Persian Gulf, but cannot obstruct in their domestic affairs, Peskov said. "We cannot interfere in the internal affairs of other states - in this case, the states of the Persian Gulf," Peskov stated. "Russia undoubtedly values relations with the Persian Gulf region as a whole and separately with the countries of the Gulf," he added. Peskov also highlighted Moscow's investment and trade cooperation with the regional countries. "We are interested in maintaining these good relations, interested in ensuring that the Persian Gulf has a stable and peaceful atmosphere within which the existing differences are resolved," he said. The development comes after when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt, alongside Libya, Yemen and Maldives have cut ties with Qatar. (ANI)