Riyadh- Interior, foreign and defense ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed on Thursday the importance of enhancing joint action to avoid external interference in their internal affairs and prevent “harm to their national unity, incitement of sectarian tensions and support for terrorist groups.”

In their 18th Consultative Meeting held in Riyadh, the GCC ministers asserted their keenness to boost relations and cooperation with regional countries to contribute to strengthening security and peace and expanding areas of economic ties.

Chairing the meeting, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior said: “The biggest challenge facing any state in the modern world is preserving its national unity against foreign and domestic threats.”

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid al-Zayani said the meeting tackled a number of political, defense and security issues in the Gulf states, as well as regional and international efforts to combat terrorism and extremist groups.

The Gulf ministers expressed their appreciation for the directives of GCC leaders and their efforts to enhance the progress of the region.

The meeting confirmed the determination of the states to combat terrorism and expressed support for all actions that GCC countries take for combatting terror and terrorist groups, dry up their sources of funding, and fight their misguided ideas that contradict with the true teachings of Islam.

The ministers vowed to intensify efforts for more integrative achievements in order to preserve the sovereignty, independence, security and stability of the states, and in defense of their gains and common interests.

They also affirmed the continued participation of GCC countries in supporting the efforts of the US-led international coalition to fight ISIS in Syria and Iraq and across the region.