DOHA, July 28 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states on Tuesday discussed ongoing negotiations to de-escalate regional tensions and joint efforts to secure navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks, held via videoconference, included Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani alongside his GCC counterparts, Qatar's Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
During the meeting, the ministers reviewed regional developments and ongoing talks, voicing support for practical steps to ease tensions and promote stability, the statement read.
They also explored tighter GCC coordination to safeguard freedom of navigation and secure the free flow of commerce through the Strait of Hormuz, in line with international law and the sovereign rights of Gulf coastal states, it added.
Under the memorandum of understanding signed on June 18, the United States and Iran were scheduled to hold talks within a period of 60 days to reach a final agreement, but the talks' fate is hanging in the balance following renewed clashes between the two sides over the past two weeks. ■
