Saudi foreign minister welcomes ‘progress’ on Qatar crisis talks, says a ‘final agreement’ appears to be within reach

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has expressed optimism that the ongoing boycott of Qatar by four Arab nations may be nearing an end. Prince Faisal bin Farhan made the comment to the Italy’s annual Mediterranean Dialogues on Friday. He said: “We hope this progress can lead to a final agreement that looks in reach.” However, the other three nations who are boycotting Qatar — Bahrain, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates — did not immediately acknowledge this burst of optimism. Over a year ago, a similar hope for an end to the dispute quickly faded.