Egypt decided to sever all diplomatic relations with the State of Qatar, joining Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain in doing so.
A statement from the official spokesperson of Egypt Foreign Ministry said they took the decision on Monday “in light of the insistence of the Qatari government to take an anti-Egyptian stance and the failure of all attempts to dissuade it from supporting the terrorist organizations.”
Egypt accused the Qatari government of supporting especially the Muslim Brotherhood which it has designated as terrorist.
“Qatar’s has promoted al-Qaeda's ideology, and given support to ISIS and terrorist operations in the Sinai. Qatar's has insisted on interfering in the internal affairs of Egypt and the countries of the region in a manner that threatens Arab national security and promotes the seeds of sedition and division within the Arab societies,” the statement read.
Egypt also declared that it will close its airspace and sea ports with Qatar.
EXPLAINER: Reasons why Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain and Egypt severed ties with Qatar
“This is in the interest of Egyptian national security and will take the necessary measures to address friendly and sisterly countries and Arab and international companies to work in the same manner as their means of transportation destined for Doha,” the statement added.
