* Abu Dhabi, Cairo appreciate Kuwaiti mediation

The UAE said on Tuesday it supports Saudi efforts to end a three-year Gulf dispute, Abu Dhabi's first reaction to recent statements suggesting the rift between four regional countries and Qatar could soon ease.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan told AFP last week that the kingdom and its allies the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt were "on board" to resolve the diplomatic crisis.

The Saudi-led alliance imposed an economic embargo on Qatar in June 2017. The quartet subsequently forced out Qataris residing in their countries, closed their airspace to Qatari aircraft and sealed their borders and ports, separating many mixed-nationality families.

The UAE "supports Saudi Arabia's benevolent efforts on behalf of the four countries", tweeted Anwar Gargash, the emirates' minister of state for foreign affairs.

"It looks forward to a successful Gulf summit," he added, referring to a meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regional bloc expected later this month.

The GCC is comprised of six member states -- the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar.

Gargash also said his country appreciated efforts by Kuwait and the United States, countries which have both played mediation roles.

Cairo also commented on the Gulf crisis, saying it appreciated Kuwait's efforts to end the dispute.

"We hope that these commendable efforts will result in a comprehensive solution," Egypt's foreign ministry said in a statement.

All countries involved are US allies. Qatar hosts the region's largest US military base, Bahrain is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE host US troops.

A source in Washington, which along with Kuwait has worked to end the rift, told Reuters a tentative deal was reached by the parties and that it could be signed in a few weeks.

The blockading nations accuse Qatar of supporting radical Islamist movements. Qatar, which has always staunchly denied the charge, says the embargo aims to undermine its sovereignty and that any resolution should be based on mutual respect.



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