The Foreign Ministers of GCC, Egypt, Jordan and the United States concluded here today a multilateral meeting, stressing their common concern for regional stability. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs, headed the Saudi delegation to the meeting. Motivated by their shared vision of regional stability, peace and prosperity, all participating sides emphasized their commitment to act as partners and friends within the framework of joint consultation in order to make this vision come true. Recalling previous meetings, including the January 16, 2007 in Kuwait, the July 31, 2007 in Sharm El-Sheikh and the September 25, 2007 meeting held on the sidelines of the opening session of the UN general assembly, the participants underlined the value of these meetings and pledged to continue meetings at regular intervals to exchange views and consider common approaches to key issues. Participants also reaffirmed their pledge to the peaceful resolution of regional conflicts pursuant to international norms, including the UN charter. In line with the participants' previous declarations such as the ministerial joint statement issued on July 31, 2007 in Sharm El-Sheikh, the ministers underlined the importance of respecting sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states. Participants also reiterated their strong support to the parties in their quest for peace. They stressed commitment to resolve important issues such as reaching a Palestinian Israeli settlement while building on the spirit of Annapolis conference. Participants reaffirmed their condemnation of terrorism, extremism and sectarian violence in line with the February 2005 Riyadh declaration, issued at an international counter- terrorism conference which rejects any form of ideology that promotes hatred, incites violence and condones terrorist crimes, which can by no means be accepted by any religion or law. Participants reaffirmed their continuing commitment to a region in which diverse groups work and live together peacefully and to opposing irresponsible efforts to exploit sectarian and religious difference to provoke crises and undermine the forces of moderation, tolerance and pluralism. In this context, they reaffirmed their commitment to combating all sorts of defamation of religions. Participants expressed support to economic development that encourages strong competitive economies, open markets, expanded trade and investment and greater employment opportunities, allowing citizens to achieve the highest standards of living possible. Participants underlined the need for all states to promote educational and cultural opportunities, higher learning, scientific and artistic achievement and strengthening the values of understanding, tolerance and dialogue. Participants further recognized the need for all states to resolve, deter, prevent and counter the pursuit of nuclear weapons and weapons-related technology in contravention of the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, and to support the responsible and transparent development of civilian nuclear energy. Participants expressed their steadfast support to participating states that might face threats to their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Agreeing that regional peace and security are crucial to a healthy global economy, participants expressed resolve to continue their long standing cooperation against such threats.
