Foreign Minister participates in GCC-US meeting in Doha

Doha, Aug 3 (BNA): Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammad Al Khalifa today participated in the GCC foreign ministers meeting with US Secretary of State John Kerry, in the presence of GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani. The meeting reviewed joint US-Gulf relations and ways of enhancing them in all fields, and the latest developments witnessed by the region, chiefly the nuclear deal reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and Group 5+1 on 14 July 2015 in Vienna. The meeting also reviewed the Iranian interference in the region's countries, where the GCC ministers look forward to reaching a deal to drive away risks and promote the region's stability. Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the meeting comes in the framework of the policy of continuous communication and joint coordination between the Gulf and the US to find best mechanisms to take on challenges faced by the region which affect international peace and security. He expressed optimism that the GCC countries-US strategic partnership will contribute to reinforcing the region's security and stability. The meeting issued a statement, in which the foreign ministers denounce Iran's support for terrorism in Bahrain and the region, calling on the region's countries to commit to principles of good neighborliness, non-interference in other countries' internal affairs and respect their sovereignty. The Ministers welcomed the return of Ministers and representatives of the legitimate Government of Yemen to Aden and called for an immediate end to the violence by the Houthis and forces of Ali Abdullah Saleh, and a resumption of a fully inclusive, Yemeni-led, peaceful political dialogue based on relevant UN resolutions, including UNSCR 2216, consistent with the framework of the GCC Initiative and the National Dialogue Conference. The Ministers strongly condemned the violent and destabilizing attacks by Al Qaeda and Da’ish, noting that these groups are capitalizing on instability in Yemen and posing threats to Yemenis and the region. They stressed solidarity with Iraqi people in confronting Da’ish and intensifying support and cooperation with Iraqi government as it strive to address the needs of Iraqi people. The Ministers reaffirmed their call for a managed political transition in Syria. They strongly affirmed the necessity of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on the basis of a just, lasting, comprehensive peace agreement that results in an independent and contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel.