A joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the United States of America was held today, Thursday, in the Bahraini capital, Manama, with the participation of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and the Secretary-General of the Council, Jassim Al-Budaiwi. The meeting discussed the strategic relations between the GCC countries and the United States, and ways to strengthen and develop them in a way that serves common interests and enhances partnership and cooperation between the two sides in various fields. The participants also discussed regional developments and current challenges in the region, stressing the importance of intensifying joint coordination in a way that contributes to enhancing security and stability in the Arabian Gulf and the Middle East. The meeting dealt with the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, where the participants stressed the need for any resulting understandings or arrangements to take into account the interests and security of the GCC countries, and to contribute to consolidating regional stability on the basis of respect for the sovereignty of countries, good neighborliness, and non-interference in their internal affairs. The attendees stressed the importance of ensuring the security of maritime navigation and the freedom of trade movement through the waterways in the region, especially the Strait of Hormuz, as it is a vital artery for the regional and global economies. The two sides also renewed their commitment to continue consultation and coordination on issues of common concern, and to support efforts aimed at reaching comprehensive political solutions that achieve sustainable security and prosperity for the peoples of the region. Regarding the Lebanese issue, the participants stressed the importance of maintaining the negotiation process in Lebanon, stressing the necessity of completely disarming non-governmental groups.