Gulf crises will pass, but economy is stronger - Qatar's Emir

DOHA (Reuters) - Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said on Tuesday he regrets the continuation of conflict with other Arab states, but added that "crises will pass", outlining the nation's economic achievements over the past year.

The country would continue to develop its oil and gas industries as it is keen to preserve its status as the top liquefied natural gas exporter in the world, and that the country had grown its exports by 18 percent last year and slashed spending by 20 percent, Tamim said in a speech to the Arab state's shoura council.

Qatar's currency has preserved its value since the start of the rift last year and the economy has diversified to overcome the impact of sanctions imposed by other Arab states, Tamim said.

(Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli, Writing by Eric Knecht, Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips)