RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan led a meeting on Sunday of foreign ministers from the six GCC countries to set the agenda for the organization’s annual leaders’ summit in the Kingdom next week.
The meeting was the first since Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s tour of the Gulf states last week. Ministers decided to place collective security, regional conflicts and the region’s development at the top of the summit agenda.
Sunday’s meeting was also attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and GCC secretary-general Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf.
There was a close and strategic relationship between Egypt and the Gulf states, Shoukry said. “We are coordinating with the GCC countries on all issues. We hope the meeting will contribute to the stability of the region and people’sprosperity.”
Al-Hajraf said: “There is continuing consultation between the Gulf states and Egypt to enhance the stability of the region and the world. The ministerial meeting affirmed support for Gulf-Egyptian relations.”
Prince Faisal said the summit came at a delicate and sensitive time, and the security of the region would be a key item on the agenda.
Saudi Arabia holds the presidency of the 42nd session of the GCC, chaired by King Salman, which will begin on Dec. 14. The summit is held annually to discuss progress in achieving coordination, integration, and interdependence between the Gulf states in the economic, commercial, educational, and cultural fields to enhance the development of their countries and people.
