Qatar envoy says economy won't be affected if Arab embargo lasts forever

Appealing for an end to the ongoing "blockade" of his country by Arab states, Qatar's Ambassador to the United States has said his country won't be affected if the embargo lasts forever.

"There is no damage to our economy. Qatar is solid in its economy and we are comfortable and we can continue like this forever," CNN quoted Ambassador Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani , as saying.

The Middle East has been plunged into one of its worst diplomatic crises in decades after nine countries have cut ties with Qatar, one of the richest states in the Middle East, calling into question the future of a powerful 36-year-old Gulf states union since June 5 . Arab countries had insisted that Doha should fulfill 13 precise demands including reducing diplomatic ties with Iran and supporting terrorism or specify the deadline for them to comply.

Qatar's foreign minister said the list was "made to be rejected."

Al-Thani said the crisis was counterproductive to the region and to the fight against terrorism.

"The State of Qatar has demonstrated its constructive approach to resolve this crisis and we have called many times to have a meeting to sit and discuss this ... so now it's up to the boycotting countries to decide and come to the table," he said.

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has signed a memorandum of understanding on combating terror financing with Qatar. He said the U.S. will extend support to Kuwait to find a solution to the ongoing conflict between Qatar and other Gulf nations

There are still no talks or meeting arranged between Qatar and the boycotting nations, despite U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's efforts during a visit to the region in July.

-ANI