Qatar said on Saturday it would respect the choice of Tunisians after President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia following violent anti-government protests.

"Qatar respects the will and choice of the Tunisian people," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement carried by state agency QNA late on Friday.

"Qatar commits to maintaining firm relations with the Tunisian people and developing them in the interest of both countries," said the spokesperson, indicating Qatar was "closely following events in Tunisia."

Ben Ali, in power for 23 years, fled with his family to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Friday night. Qatar and Tunisia enjoy close diplomatic relations.