The GCC reaffirmed its commitment to Bahrain’s security and stability. The foreign minister’s council reiterated support for the steps undertaken by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa to restore national security and stability to the Kingdom. Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa attended the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The ministerial council lauded the by-elections scheduled to be held on September24, describing polls as crucial to further boost the march of reform and progress.
It also hailed the results of the National Consensus Dialogue, crediting HM the King’s initiative to set up the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) to probe the recent events which gripped Bahrain and reveal the truth underlying them.
The council paid tribute to HM King Hamad for patronizing the maiden GCC Olympic Games, highlighting Bahrain’s efforts to host the tournament.
Meanwhile, the session voiced deep concerns over continuing Iranian officials and media provocative statements against the GCC. It described the Iranian hostile stances as contravening the principles of good neighbourliness the charters of the UN and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, urging Iran to stop hostile statements and media campaigns which erode bilateral relations and hamper the achievement of regional security and stability.
The delegations discussed issues relating to the GCC joint action, regional and international developments, particularly Yemen, Syria, Libya. Developments in the Palestinian territories, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan and Somalia, in addition to the Iranian nuclear programme were also on the agenda.
There panel held a joint meeting with the GCC consultative authority representatives on mustering the efforts of member of member countries to promote translation and Arabisation, enhance interest in the Arab language.
Global warming, climate change and means of promoting alternative sources of energy also came under scrutiny.
The ministers held a joint meeting with Jordanian and Moroccan foreign ministers and discussed the decision of the GCC leaders in their consultative summit, held in Riyadh last May, on the admission of Jordan and Morocco to the GCC.