Foreign Minister participates in GCC meeting with US Special Envoy for Iran

Manama, Apr. 27 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, participated virtually today in a GCC meeting with the U.S. Special Envoy for Iran, Robert Malley. The meeting was attended by the Diplomatic Advisor to UAE President, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Under Secretary for Diplomatic Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman, Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Issa al-Harthy, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Majdi Ahmad Ebrahim Al Dhafiri. The Special Envoy for Iran discussed the latest developments regarding the negotiations taking place in Vienna between the P5+1 and Iran on the Iranian nuclear file, and the efforts made by the states parties in this regard. He also affirmed the US President Joe Biden's keenness to consult with the GCC countries on the ongoing negotiations on Iran's nuclear program and said that he would like to discuss GCC countries ’viewpoint in this regard and means to maintain security and stability in the region. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed Bahrain's thanks and appreciation to the US Special Envoy to Iran for briefing the GCC countries on the progress of the negotiations, stressing the aspiration of the member states to make tangible progress in these negotiations and to reach a new agreement that is more comprehensive and clear, as well as a comprehensive strategy that expands prospects for achieving peace and stability in the region. He also noted that the GCC countries adhere to their firm position on the Iranian nuclear program, and the need to consult with them about the ongoing negotiations with Iran in this regard, and that any agreement with Iran should include its programme to develop ballistic missiles, its continued interference in the internal affairs of the countries of the region, and its support for terrorist organisations and militias. He further stressed that any agreement that does not take into account these considerations will not succeed. The Minister said that the Kingdom of Bahrain will continue to consult with friendly and allied countries in this regard and work closely with the United States of America and the international community to achieve peace and stability in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East. The meeting was attended on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Washington, Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashed bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, and Head of the Americas Affairs Division, Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa.