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18:56 GMT
RIYADH, April 27 (KUNA) -- The conference of the GCC ministers of interior, foreign and defense affairs has discussed political and security situations in the Middle East region and the possible repercussions on the GCC member states, GCC Secretary General Abdul Latif Al-Zayani said.
Al-Zayani made the press remarks on Thursday following the conference chaired by Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Prince Mohammad bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz.
The State of Kuwait is taking part in the conference with a high-profile delegation, including First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah and Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah.
Al-Zayani said the conferees discussed main issues pertaining to defense, security and political affairs to materialize clear stances, strategies and visions contributing to enhancing GCC unity amid challenges facing member states and the entire region.
He added that the ministers lauded instructions and efforts of GCC leaders aiming to boost the GCC joint action in order to meet aspirations of their citizens.
The ministers stressed the importance of this meeting to share constructive visions and ideas, and follow up the joint action, and thanked undersecretaries of defense, interior and foreign ministries for preparing this gathering, he noted.
The ministers also focused on efforts on regional and international levels to combat terrorism and extremist organizations.
The conferees expressed the determination of GCC countries to move forward with achieving further Gulf integration in various fields, and to double and intensify efforts in order to strengthen the Gulf entity and realize hopes of its citizens who have common bonds, history, destiny and interests, GCC chief noted.
The ministers stressed GCC countries' keenness to boost relations and cooperation with regional countries to contribute to consolidating security and peace, and expanding areas of economic cooperation.
They underlined the determination of GCC states to stop against external interference in their internal affairs that undermines their national unity, and to combat terrorist groups, and criminal and hostile media campaigns, which constitute a flagrant violation of the principles of good-neighborliness, international law and the Charter of the United Nations.
Al-Zayani said ministers expressed their pride for high-level cooperation and integration amongst GCC countries in the fields of joint political, defense and security action.
They called for intensify and accelerating efforts for achieving further complementary achievements in order to preserve the sovereignty, independence, security and stability of GCC states and defend their gains, achievements and common interests, he said.
Ministers affirmed GCC states' determination to counter terrorism, dry up sources of its funding and fight their misguided ideas, and to show the real image of Islam, which calls for tolerance, love and cooperation not for hate, aggression and the bloodshed. The aim of this is to preserve GCC security and stability, he said.
They affirmed the need of concerted efforts of the international community to counter this scourge and its risks on societies and states, stressing continued support of GCC states for the US-led international coalition efforts to combat the so-called Islamic State everywhere, Al-Zayani made clear.
They also confirmed GCC continued backing to legitimacy in Yemen and international efforts to put an end to the crisis in that Arab country based on the Gulf initiative, the outcomes of national dialogue and the UN Security Council Resolution 2216.
The ministers extolled international efforts aiming to help Yemenis reconstruct their cities and towns, and access humanitarian aid to people there in order to alleviate their suffering. (pickup previous)
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