Qatar, Iran discuss creation of temporary shipping corridor through Strait of Hormuz
Xinhua
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DOHA, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Qatari and Iranian foreign ministers discussed on Thursday the establishment of a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and the implementation of a joint project to clear the strait of mines, according to a statement by the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

The photo released on July 21, 2019 shows the British oil tanker "Stena Impero" near the Strait of Hormuz, Iran. (Photo: Xinhua)

Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani held talks in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on a proposed interim framework for the strait, the ministry said.

During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed stressed "the need to respect the sovereignty of neighboring countries and freedom of navigation," while underscoring the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and address differences through dialogue.

For his part, Araghchi expressed appreciation for Qatar's continued diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and supporting dialogue, according to the statement.

The Qatari prime minister's visit to Tehran came amid ongoing Iran-Oman talks over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said on Wednesday that Iran and Oman had reached agreements on their respective shares of the strait's waters and revenues, according to Iranian media reports.

However, a senior Iranian source was quoted by media as saying that no final agreement between Iran and Oman concerning the strait had been reached so far.