GCC Defense Ministers held a meeting with US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter here today. 
Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, who is also Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Defense, stressed that the meeting is taking place under major challenges facing the world and region, of which the most important are terrorism, unstable countries and Iranian interferences in the affairs of the region's countries, noting that the meeting will focus on the work to meet these challenges together, through the long and deep-rooted partnership, which combines together the GCC Member States and the United States of America. 
Quoted by Saudi Press Agency he said: "Today we must work seriously to confront these challenges," stressing that "it is only by working together, we will get through all the obstacles that we face, welcoming again everyone and wished them success on this launch day to bring stability to this region". 
For his part, US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter praised the distinguished cooperation relations between the United States and the Arabian Gulf countries over the years, which have contributed to the development of the security areas in the region and enhancing the security at all levels, adding that "Our concerns now are focused on crises that Iraq, Syria and Yemen are facing. 
The GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani also delivered a speech during which he praised the willingness of both sides to further the strengthening of cooperation and friendship relations in various fields, pointing out the importance of defense cooperation between the GCC countries and US in the light of the current circumstances and security challenges being experienced by the region, including the dangers of terrorism and the continued Iranian interventions to destabilize the security and stability of the region as well as sponsoring and funding the terrorist organizations. 
Al Zayani stressed that the GCC countries will continue to maintain their international obligations and responsibilities for meeting the challenges and crises that threaten the stability of the region

Source: QNA)