BRUSSELS: The GCC-EU sides discussed major regional and international issues of mutual concern, topped by the latest developments at the Syrian arena, the peace process in the Middle East, the Palestinian issue, the situation in Yemen, relations with Iran, Tehran's nuke dilemma and Iran's interference in GCC countries affairs.
In their 19th session of the GCC-EU political dialogue held in Brussels Thursday, the leader of the GCC delegation told the meeting that the GCC countries' foreign policies were based on the fundamentals of the UN charter, GCC and OIC statutes aiming at bringing about peace and security in the world, maintaining the principles of co-existence, human rights, non-interference in the domestic affairs of other countries, respect of sovereignty and independence and the sanctity of territories of other countries, social security for the GCC group, and close work with others to secure the political, defense and security of others at the regional and international arenas.
According to the Bahraini news agency, the Bahraini delegation to the meeting, presented a photo-evident report on Iran's support for terrorist cells in Bahrain.
He vowed that the GCC group is strenuously working for unity of the group and that an extraordinary meeting will be held at the summit level for this end.
The two sides also discussed the importance of dialogue as a key mechanism for political work and enhancement of building strategic relations between the two sides.
Viewpoints were exchanged about other important issues, including terrorism and piracy.
The GCC group confirmed its firm stance on the importance of understanding and tolerance among peoples of the world through encouraging dialogue among followers of religions and civilizations according to the call of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, citing the opening of King Abdullah International Center for Dialogue among religions and cultures in Vienna last year.
The GCC side was chaired by Bahrain's Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Regional and GCC Affairs Hamad Ahmed Abdulaziz Al-Amer.
The next meeting of the GCC-EU ministerial council will be held on July 1, 2013 in Manama, Bahrain. (QNA)
