Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, deputy premier and minister of defense, opens the first consultative meeting of the Joint Defense Council of Gulf Cooperation Council's ministers of defense in Jeddah on Wednesday. The event was attended by US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel. — SPA Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH – Crown Prince Salman Bin Abdulaziz, deputy premier and minister of defense, called on Wednesday for stronger military cooperation between the United States and Gulf countries whose security he said is threatened. The Crown Prince made the remarks while opening the first consultative meeting of the Joint Defense Council of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)'s ministers of defense attended by US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. “We meet today amid persistent threats to the region's security and stability,” which “necessitate coordination in politics and defense strategies of our countries,” he said. “The security of our countries and our people are in danger,” added the Crown Prince. He said among the issues of concern were “political crises” in some Arab states, as well as “attempts to acquire weapons of mass destruction and meddling by certain states” in the internal affairs of others. “Security challenges – whether they are the results of internal crises or illegal designs from some countries in the region – will have adverse effect not only on GCC countries but also on regional and international security and peace,” Crown Prince Salman said. He voiced hope that “cooperation continues” with the United States, stressing that “historic and strategic relations” between Washington and the GCC countries have “contributed to cementing security and stability in the region.” “The sufferings of innocent people in our region and the destruction of some countries' institutions and structures will send aftershocks in the region and negatively affect the international community,” he said, citing the increasing terrorism as one of those aftershocks. “So, any hesitance and delay in dealing decisively with regional crises will increase the sufferings of the people and cause the destruction of some countries.” Secretary Hagel promised the GCC countries that negotiations to contain Iran's nuclear program will not weaken their security. “As negotiations progress, I want to assure you of two things,” Hagel told them. “First, these negotiations will under no circumstances trade away regional security for concessions on Iran's nuclear program.” The Pentagon chief continued, “Second, while our strong preference is for a diplomatic solution, the United States will remain postured and prepared to ensure that Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon – and that Iran abides by the terms of any potential agreement.” Even if Tehran backs out of the nuclear negotiations, Hagel said, “the United States remains committed to our Gulf partners' security.”
