Bahraini FM: PGCC countries reiterate friendly relations with Iran

Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmad bin Muhammad Al Khalifa underlined that the member-states of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) are keen to establish friendly ties with Iran. “The PGCC countries, which expect working with Iran in line with the interests of the Persian Gulf region, have much eagerly fixed their looks on the establishment of friendly ties with Iran based on mutual confidence, cooperation, good neighborly relations... and settlement of disputes through peaceful means…,\" the Bahraini foreign minister said. The PGCC members in a statement Sunday stressed the importance of their relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and called for increasing cooperation with Tehran to secure stability in the region. The foreign ministers of the PGCC countries in their second consultative meeting in Manama today headed by the Bahraini foreign minister felicitated Iranian President-elect Hassan Rouhani on winning the presidential race on June 14, and wished for Rouhani\'s success as well as more progress and welfare for the friendly Iranian nation during his presidency. They also stressed that their countries\' relations with Iran are vitally important for the reinvigoration of security, stability and prosperity of the region. Different regional and international figures have on many occasions underscored Iran\'s decisive and important role in the region. Earlier this month, former NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer underlined Iran\'s important regional role, and said that Tehran\'s assistance is needed for the establishment of stability in the region. Scheffer stressed that West needs Iran for stability in Afghanistan and finding a political solution in Syria dispute. The Dutch politician underlined that the West should not make the mistake of ignoring one of the most important countries in regional issues.