In Indonesia, Qatar's Leader Denounces 'Unjust Siege'

JAKARTA - Qatar's leader, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani says he is "open to dialogue" in resolving the four-month blockade imposed by Gulf neighbours, calling the move an "unjust siege".

Speaking in Indonesia, Emir Sheikh said he discussed the crisis with President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) during his state visit on Wednesday (18/10) .

"We conveyed that Qatar is ready to conduct a dialogue to solve the problem as we already know that no one will win," Sheikh Tamim told reporters after meeting with President Jokowi at the state palace in Bogor.

"We are all brothers and suffering because of this crisis," he added.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Bahrain cut diplomatic and trade ties with Qatar on June 5, accusing it of financing "terrorism" and maintaining too close of ties to their arch-rival, Iran. Doha denies the allegations.

President Jokowi did not publicly address the Gulf dispute.

"This is a very important visit and the first visit for Emir Al Thani to Indonesia, which also coincides with the commemoration of 41 years of diplomatic relations between Indonesia and Qatar," President Jokowi told.

The Saudi-led bloc has made a list of 13 wide-ranging demands of Qatar, including closing down Al Jazeera Media Network and curbing ties with Iran.

Kuwait and top United States (US) officials have attempted to mediate between the parties, but there is little sign the crisis will be resolved soon.