By Ahmed Yusuf

DOHA

Qatar’s emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in the capital Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, according to the official QNA news agency.

Talks between the two leaders tackled bilateral relations and regional issues, including the Gulf crisis and conflicts in Syria and Yemen.

The Malaysian premier underlined the necessity to pursue dialogue and diplomatic means to resolve the Gulf crisis, QNA said.

In June of last year, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain collectively severed ties with Doha and imposed an embargo -- by air land and sea -- on Qatar.

The Saudi-led axis accuses Doha of supporting terrorist groups in the region -- allegations Qatar strenuously denies.

Tamim arrived in Malaysia on Wednesday for an official visit during which he will honor winners of the third Sheikh Tamim International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award on Friday in the city of Putrajaya.