New push to avoid GCC-Iran conflict

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Playing down fears of growing instability, Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said a new conflict was unlikely given the strong desire to avoid further wars.

His comments come only days after Iran launched its first domestically made destroyer Jamaran during a ceremony attended by the supreme leader and the commander-in-chief Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Shaikh Khalid denied there were growing tensions in the region and said any US military presence was based on historical agreements between the GCC and the US.

"There is no big tension and any defence arrangements are legal and normal," he said during a Press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain Hotel and Spa.

"The Americans are here because of bilateral relations. We would like to see us understand Iran more and Iran to understand us (the GCC) more."

Shaikh Khalid said in any discussions with Iran, such as the 5 + 1 dialogue (the group that includes Britain, France, Russia, China, the US and Germany) it would be useful to include neighbouring countries such as the GCC.

"I don’t think we will reach a point of confrontation, I think all countries in the area, including Iran, have faced many wars and don’t want new ones," he said.

Meanwhile, Bahrain and Oman have signed a civil aviation agreement aimed at boosting economic, commercial and social ties between both countries.

The pact will boost commercial and cargo flights between Bahrain and Oman, which is planning to open new airports across the sultanate.

It was signed by Shaikh Khalid and Oman Foreign Affairs Minister Youssef bin Alawi bin Abdulla at the Joint Bahrain-Oman Co-operation Committee meeting held at the Ritz-Carlton.

During the meeting it was also agreed that Bahrain and Oman would launch a joint business council and the board would be announced soon.

The two countries discussed regional and international issues of mutual concern such as security and stability in the area, said Shaikh Khalid following the signing.

The Joint Bahrain-Oman Co-operation Committee meeting also focussed on the importance of improving political and consultative co-ordination between the two foreign ministries and agreed on training and rehabilitation exchange.

The countries also highlighted the importance of further strengthening financial, commercial and security co-operation, as well as education and cultural heritage and transportation fields amongst others.

 

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