The Ministers in charge of foreign affairs in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states held their 88th meeting in Jeddah tonight.
In a key address, the Foreign Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani, who is also Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council’s current session, thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, and Crown Prince Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, the Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard, for the Kingdom’s warm reception and generous hospitality.
Al-Thani cast light on the critical developments in the region and the world, which, he said, necessitate a high level of consultation and exchange of views. He urged decisive action to boost cooperation and development in the Gulf region.
On the situation in Iraq, he confirmed the support of GCC member states to secure the integrity, independence and sovereignty of Iraq, an important Arab Gulf neighbouring country. He welcomed the formation of the Governing Council in Iraq, which he hoped would lead to the establishment of an elected government in Baghdad.
He said that the phenomena of terrorism and extremism still pose the largest challenge to the world community, and confirmed the support of GCC states for the steps taken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to eradicate the phenomena.
He lamented the escalation of aggressive policies by the Israeli government against the Palestinian people, and said that Israel is evading its duties and commitments to comply with the peace process. The international community, particularly the United States, should exert greater efforts to coerce Israel to give up its violent policies and to share with the world its interest in promoting a just, enduring peace.
Source: SPA
