Abdullah bin Zayed participates in GCC ministerial meeting with US counterpart

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, has participated in a GCC ministerial meeting with US Secretary of State, John Kerry.

Also present at the meeting on Monday, which was held in the Belgian capital, Brussels, was GCC Secretary-General, Abdullatif Al Zayani.

During the meeting, the ministers discussed cooperation between the GCC and the US under the framework of existing strategic partnership relations between the two sides. They also discussed the outcomes of joint cooperation reached during the GCC summit hosted by Riyadh earlier this year, as well as developments in the region and international efforts to combat terrorism.

The meeting also reviewed the common visions in dealing with the most pressing conflicts in the region, with both sides welcoming the significant progress that has been made since the Camp David summit, emphasising the need to preserve those achievements.

The officials went on to stress the need to resolve conflicts in the region through the use of political and peaceful means, with respect for the sovereignty of all states, non-interference in their internal affairs, as well as the need to protect minority groups, and respect human rights in the countries where conflict exist.

The two sides also exchanged views towards developments in the Arab region, particularly the situation in Yemen, Syria, Libya and Iraq, the resumption of the peace process in the Middle East, common endeavours to combat terrorism and extremism, especially Daesh, and other current regional and international issues.

The meeting also discussed ways to find a mechanism to ease tensions in Iraq, address the legitimate demands of all the components of Iraqi society through reform, and the cessation of hostilities in Yemen.

The United States welcomed the GCC countries' participation and support in the international coalition against Daesh, praising the GCC's efforts and resolute role in preventing terrorist attacks, and for exchanging information about foreign fighters in terrorist organisations.

The meeting also discussed Iran's interference in the region's affairs.