![This photo provided by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) on December 9, 2018, shows a general view of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Via AFP)](/Original/1397/09/20/IMG17381793.jpg)
RNA - In a statement on Monday, Bahram Qassemi reacted to accusations leveled against the Islamic Republic during the 39th GCC summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by expressing regret about the continuation of the council’s “unconstructive approach” toward Iran.
Chairing the GCC session, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz claimed that Iran continued to promote terrorism and threaten regional stability. He also accused Iran of pursuing aggressive policies and interfering in the internal affairs of other countries.
According to Press TV, Salman called on all the GCC member states to work with international partners to maintain regional and global security and stability, and to insist on achieving full and adequate guarantees towards Iran’s nuclear program.
In reaction to the Saudi king's accusations, Qassemi said, “In practice, the GCC has turned into a front for proclaiming the policies of a few of its members, and takes stances at the expense and in the name of all members, which do not help regional peace and stability in any way.”
The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson added that the GCC can use its potential to dispel internal and external misunderstandings and differences by adopting an "independent and logical" approach, but instead, it is "shamelessly lauding the divisive policies of certain extra-regional countries.”
Iran believes that the positions announced during the Riyadh summit do not necessarily reflect the stance of all of the council's members, he said.
"Saudi Arabia's failure to achieve its goals at the meeting can be seen in the contradiction between the text of the [final] statement and the practical approach taken by some members [of the GCC] towards the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Qassemi pointed out.
He emphasized that certain members of the council have a correct understanding of Iran's neighborhood policy, regional realities and the requirements of good neighborliness, and have always been a pioneer in reducing misunderstandings.
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