The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Wednesday reaffirmed support for the call by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, for achieving Arab reconciliation and solidarity. At the conclusion of their meeting here Wednesday, GCC foreign ministers also praised what has been achieved at the level of Arab reconciliation and the return of cohesion and solidarity to the Arab ranks to face the difficult circumstances with an Arab strong and collective commitment to meet the challenges and risks. In its statement, the Council commended Oman's Sultan Qaboos Bin Said's visit to Iran and its positive results. It also praised the Sultan's visions aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two sides to serve the common interests and strengthen security and stability in the region. The Council welcomed Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's talks with US President Barack Obama, hailing the fruitful results of the visit on overall issues of common interest, particularly the Palestinian issue and the enhancement of security and stability in the region. The Council welcomed the signing of a free trade agreement between the GCC and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) comprising Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein on June 22 in the Norwegian city of Hamar. The Council commended the efforts and preemptive security measures undertaken by security apparatuses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait to detect and thwart terrorist plots. The Ministerial Council strongly condemned heinous attempt on the life of Prince Muhammad Bin Naif, Assistant Minister of Interior for Security Affairs, stressing that these terrorist acts will not succeed in destabilization of security, peace and stability enjoyed by Saudi Arabia under its wise leadership which has spared no efforts in achieving prosperity, security and safety for citizens and residents. The Council affirmed solidarity with the Kingdom in consolidating security and stability as the region's security is indivisible.
