GCC, US join forces to crush Daesh

RIYADH: It is vital for the GCC and the US to work together because of the security challenges facing the region, said Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, second deputy premier and defense minister, on Wednesday.
Speaking at a meeting between GCC defense ministers and Ashton Carter, US defense secretary, at Al-Diriyah Palace, the deputy crown prince said: “Today we must work seriously to confront these challenges...”
He said the meeting was taking place as the region and world face serious challenges, including the threat of terrorism, unstable countries and Iran’s interference in the affairs of several countries.
He said he was optimistic that there would be a successful outcome to the meeting, considering the long-standing relationship between the GCC and the United States, according to SPA.
Carter said that there was a common willingness to cooperate in the fight against terrorism and to seek stability and security in the region. He thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and the country’s leaders for bringing the two sides together, and said the concern was to tackle the crises in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.
The US and the Kingdom agreed to improve and make stronger the Gulf missile system, strengthen special forces and boost maritime security.
Later at a press conference with Abdullatif Al-Zayani, GCC secretary-general, Carter said the meeting with the GCC ministers focused on several areas, including defeating Daesh, confronting Iran’s attempts to destabilize the region and supporting efforts for stability and security in the Middle East.
“The US and the GCC would stage joint maritime patrols to stop Iran from supplying weapons to terrorists,” said Al-Zayani.
Carter urged GCC members to be more engaged in helping the Iraqi government fight Daesh and to rebuild areas where militants have been pushed out.
Al-Zayani described the meeting as constructive and said that discussions were held on military cooperation, including missile defense systems, maritime security, armaments, military training and cyber security.
He confirmed that the two sides discussed the disputes and wars endangering the region, and international efforts to fight Daesh.
The GCC ministers expressed concern over Iran’s designs to destabilize the region’s security and stability, its interference in the domestic affairs of the region’s countries and support for terrorist organizations, he said.
Al-Zayani said that Carter vowed to stand by the GCC and provide training to the GCC armed forces. There would also be support in terms of medical expertise and communications systems.