BRUSSELS, March 5 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Thursday called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the current crisis in the Middle East, according to the Council of the EU.
In a joint statement issued after an extraordinary meeting of EU and GCC foreign ministers, the two sides reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for the protection of civilians and full respect for international law and international humanitarian law, as well as the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The statement said the ministers highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts undertaken by the EU and its member states as well as GCC member states prior to the attacks, and noted the GCC members' commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.
The ministers also reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding regional airspace, maritime routes and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb, and stressed the need to ensure the safety of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets, according to the statement. ■
