ABU DHABI // Qatar’s Ambassador to the UAE, Faris bin Roumi Al Nuaimi, has lauded the decision of President Sheikh Khalifa to pardon two Qataris who were convicted of insulting this country.

The State Security Court had jailed and fined the Qataris for posting insulting images of the UAE Royal Family on Instagram.

In a statement to Al Ittihad, the sister newspaper of The National, Mr Al Nuaimi said Sheikh Khalifa’s decision affirms the UAE’s keenness to strengthen the brotherly relations between both countries and preserve the unity of the GCC.

“This decision does not come as a surprise if we look back at the many positions taken by the UAE,” he said. “The pardon will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening the relations between both countries and will bring them closer.”

The Qatari ambassador passed on the gratitude from the families of the two Qataris to Sheikh Khalifa.

On social media, others also praised the President’s decision.

“Such a great, generous and forgiving leadership. God bless His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed,” read one tweet.

newsdesk@thenational.ae