RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed on Monday the resumption of diplomatic representation between the UAE and Qatar, in accordance with the AlUla agreement. The agreement reached in AlUla in January 2021 saw Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt agree to restore diplomatic, trade and travel ties with Doha.  The two countries issued statements saying the Qatari Embassy in Abu Dhabi and a Qatari Consulate in Dubai, as well as an Emirati Embassy in Qatar’s capital, Doha, had resumed operations.  The Kingdom’s foreign ministry said the “positive step” confirms the strength of relations between Gulf Cooperation Council states and contributes to strengthening joint Gulf action in order to achieve the aspirations of the countries and peoples of the region. The foreign ministers of Qatar and the UAE spoke by phone to congratulate one another on the reopening of the diplomatic missions, Qatar said.