PGCC Ready To Strengthen Ties With Iran: Bahraini FM

Tehran, July 1, IRNA – Bahrain FM Sheikh Khaled bin Ahmed bin Muhammad al Khalifa said on Sunday that the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) member states are willing to strengthen ties with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Addressing the opening ceremony of a joint meeting between PGCC and EU, he said, considering the significance of historical and Islamic common grounds, PGCC member states would like to congratulate Iranian president-elect Hassan Rohani on his landslide victory in the June 14 presidential election. During an interview, he had told Bahraini daily Akhbar Al Khaleej that Manama is seeking to open a new chapter in relations with Iran. The Bahraini foreign minister described international terrorism as one of the most serious challenges facing the region, saying, terrorism is not limited to a certain religion or country. He called on all countries across the world to make every effort, along with international community, to help stop terrorism. On Palestinian issue, he expressed deep concern about violation of Palestiniansˈ rights by the Zionist regime and continuation of Israeli settlement in the occupied lands, urging PGCC and European Union to take immediate measures to advance peace talks in the region. The 23rd PGCC-EU foreign ministers meeting chaired by the Bahraini foreign minister kicked off in Manama today. EU Foreign Policy Chief Catherine Ashton has attended the meeting./end