UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash criticized Qatari-funded media for fabrications of news, after one outlet claimed he was visiting Sudan.

He expressed astonishment at “fabrications” by the Qatari platforms, including the Middle East Eye. Gargash said in a tweet: “They propagate my presence in Khartoum. I’m currently in the Bratislava forum in Slovakia.” 

He added: “They are hooked on false news. May God spare Sudan their spring”, in a reference to the 2011 “Arab Spring” uprisings that saw several countries sliding into anarchy.

Gargash’s remarks come days after the second anniversary of a bitter crisis between Qatar and Gulf neighbours.

On Friday, Gargash urged Qatari rulers to conduct a “frank revision” of their policies and adopt a new approach to end the crisis with the Gulf and Arab countries.