The statement was released following the conclusion of the first edition of the political consultation mechanism held in Riyadh by the foreign ministers of Egypt and GCC countries with the participation of the GCC's Secretary General Nayef bin Falah Al-Hajraf.

The GCC ministers and secretary-general expressed their hope for continued cooperation between Egypt and Gulf countries in various fields, the statement added.

Addressing the meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry highlighted the "special" relations between Egypt and Arab Gulf countries.

He emphasised the importance of building on these relations to achieve the interests and the aspirations of the Arab nations for prosperity and welfare.

Shoukry reviewed the growing developments at the regional and international levels, which he said have reflected the importance of joint Arab action as well as the need to maintain periodic institutional coordination between Arab countries.

Shoukry affirmed the constants of the Egyptian foreign policy towards promoting Arab solidarity and joint Arab action to preserve Arab national security, indicating that Arab countries have the ability to protect their capabilities and peoples.

"Our security is an indivisible whole," he stressed during his speech.

Shoukry also affirmed Egypt's rejection of all attempts to interfere in the internal affairs of Arab countries or threaten their stability and undermine the interests of their peoples.

Egypt, Shoukry stressed, supports the Gulf countries in adopting the moves they deem necessary to preserve their security and stability, the statement noted.

He added that Egypt's participation for the first time in launching the political consultation mechanism with the GCC states reflects the solid relations and common destiny that unite the two sides.

Shoukry also called for intensifying coordination and consultation between the two sides in light of the "unprecedented" regional and international challenges.