GCC heeds King Salman's Iran warning at 'friendly' summit

Hind Al Soulia - Riyadh - Saudi Arabia called for unity between the six Gulf Co-operation Council members against a hostile Iran before a "fruitful and friendly" meeting between the states.

King Salman made the comments as he addressed GCC leaders at the opening of the 40th GCC summit in Riyadh's Al Daraya Palace.

“The Iranian regime has continued its aggressive policies in the region that undermine the stability of neighboring countries,” said King Salman.

King Salman also said GCC nations need to secure themselves against missile attacks from hostile forces, but praised the group's ability to overcome crises in the region.

The GCC's Secretary General, Mohammed Al Zayan, said Tuesday's closed-door meeting had been a success.

"We found it has been a fruitful and friendly meeting, expressing the depth of brotherhood ties that connect the GCC states and their people together and their real desire to enhance their strength and unity between the GCC in all fields," Mr Al Zayan told a press conference after the meeting wrapped up.

"All the Gulf States will unite against any aggressions and threats in order to bridge the gap between some of the countries to implement the agreements and initiative between the countries," he said.

Mr Al Zayan confirmed the group had reviewed the past year and discussed further integration of GCC states. He also confirmed next year's summit will take place in Bahrain.

Referencing King Salman's earlier warning on Iran, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said "it is a threat to all, we all understand it is necessary to deal with the threat using the right methods and we are able to stand against them."

In his earlier speech, King Salman pressed the wider international community to take measures to ensure maritime security and energy supplies were secured.

King Salman also stressed that the 40th GCC meeting was held in Riyadh at the request of the UAE, calling for a closed session of the GCC leaders, to take place shortly after the opening speeches.

“The region is going through many challenges that require a collective stance from neighbouring countries as well as the international community which must reserve its energy resources and secure its maritime borders,” said the King.

On the Palestinian issue, the Saudi King reiterated his country’s support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia has repeatedly assured its Arab allies that it will not endorse any proposed US peace plan that fails to address Jerusalem's status or refugees’ right of return.

"The Palestinian people have the right to establish their own independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital," King Salman said in his opening address.

On Yemen, King Salman said the kingdom appreciates the efforts led by the Yemeni government, in reaching the Riyadh agreement.

"We affirm our continued support to the Yemeni people and government, and the importance of reaching a political solution."

An agreement was signed in Riyadh last month which enabled Yemen's Aden-based government to share power with the secessionist Southern Transitional Council (STC).

The agreement ended instability in Aden which began in August when the STC took control of government buildings, opening up a new fissure in the country's five-year war.

The meeting took place after King Salman personally welcomed the head of delegations from the GCC, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser Al Thani, Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said.