Manama: Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said that the Joint Ministerial Meeting between the GCC and the United States of America discussed numerous issues, foremost of which were the situation in the region, ways to enhance its security and stability, and de-escalation and mediation efforts.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the statement came by Al Budaiwi during the meeting that emphasised that any future understandings or arrangements must incorporate the requirements of the GCC countries in order to safeguard their interests and ensure their security and stability. Such arrangements must be based on the principles of international law, respect for state sovereignty, good neighbourliness, and non-interference in internal affairs, thereby contributing to the consolidation of regional security and stability.
The GCC states also welcomed all diplomatic efforts that contribute to de-escalation, enhance security and stability in the region, and ensure the security of maritime corridors-including the Strait of Hormuz-freedom of navigation, and respect for the rules of international law, to achieve security and prosperity for the peoples of the region and the world, Al Budaiwi added.
The Secretary General also pointed out that the foreign ministers of the GCC countries and the United States reviewed a number of regional portfolios, their developments, and their implications for the security of the GCC states and the region, as well as the ongoing efforts exerted regarding these matters.