UPDATE 2 - Saudi king leaves Bahrain after hours-long visit

UPDATES WITH SAUDI KING'S DEPARTURE; CHANGES HEADLINE

MANAMA, Bahrain (AA) - Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz departed Bahrain on Wednesday afternoon after an hours-long visit, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

At a meeting in capital Manama, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and his Saudi counterpart discussed bilateral relations, regional developments and other “issues of common interest”, the SPA reported.

King Salman’s visit was not announced in advance, nor were any details given regarding its expected duration or itinerary.

In 2017, Bahrain -- along with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates -- abruptly severed relations with Qatar, accusing Doha of supporting terrorist groups.

Qatar vociferously denies the allegation, describing Saudi-led efforts to isolate it -- politically and economically -- as a violation of international law.

Kuwait has attempted to mediate the crisis, which until now remains unresolved.

Writing by Ali Abo Rezeg