France to remain strong GCCC ally - Hollande

RIYADH, May 5 (KUNA) -- French President Francois Hollande has affirmed that Paris would always remain a substantial ally to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), based on bilateral historical ties and common interests.
Both France and the Gulf face common threats, Hollande told the GCC leaders' 15th Consultative Meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, which he attended as a guest of honor.
The summit, chaired by Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, was also attended by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Representative of Sultan Qaboos bin Said of Oman Shihab bin Tariq Al Said.
Hollande added that the GCC was established in 1981 to face regional hazards threatening security and stability. He pointed to fresh threats, namely the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Al-Qaeda.
The French President commended initiatives by the GCC to realize security and stability in the region, especially backing the Syrian people and opposition. He reaffirmed France's support to the Saudi-led Operation Decisive Storm backing legitimacy in Yemen.
He noted that they can rely on France's support in that respect, urging a quick implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 2216 on Yemen, and the return of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi to the country.
Hollande welcomed Hadi's call for a dialogue for the Yemeni parties to be held in Riyadh on May 17, in line with the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, the outcome of the National Dialogue and the latest relevant UNSC resolution.
He said that France would carry on with its role seeking solutions to crises in the region, especially in Syria, revealing that he agreed with King Salman on boosting defense cooperation, as part of the efforts to consolidate strategic partnership with the GCC member states.
On Iran, the French leader underscored the necessity of a final binding agreement between Tehran and the P5+1 group guaranteeing that the Islamic Republic will not possess nuclear weapons. Such a deal should also guarantee that no destabilization will take place in the region.
According to Hollande, France is a partner of the US-led coalition against ISIL. It is seeking, in the meantime, a solution that would protect Libya against further chaos and instability. (Pick up previous) yms.msa