(MENAFN- Arab News) DOHA: Iran's nuclear deal should bring stability and 'good neighborliness' rather than interference Gulf states told US Secretary of State John Kerry as they began talks on the merits of its historic accord with world powers.
Qatari Foreign Minister Khalid Al-Attiyah welcoming Kerry to Qatar for the talks with the six GCC countries said the alliance wanted to spare the region 'from any dangers and threats from nuclear weapons.'
This should be done by authorizing the use of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes in line with international rules he said speaking for the GCC as host of the meeting.
'We look forward with hope to the nuclear agreement ... leading to the preservation of security and stability in the region and we emphasize the importance of cooperation with Iran based on principles of good neighborliness non-interference in internal affairs and solving disputes peacefully.'
Last month six world powers agreed to lift sanctions on Iran in return for curbs on its nuclear program.
Speaking in Egypt earlier Kerry said the US had labelled Iran the world's number-one state sponsor of terror but this was precisely why it was so important to ensure Tehran did not obtain a nuclear weapon.
'There can be absolutely no question that if the Vienna plan is fully implemented it will make Egypt and all the countries of this region safer than they otherwise would be or were' he said.
Kerry added that he would discuss ways to ensure the future security of the region in Doha.
He will also hold trilateral talks with Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov and Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir that US officials say will focus on the war in Syria.
Kerry said last month he planned to discuss with Lavrov combating Daesh and the role Iran could play.
US officials say Kerry's diplomatic outreach in Doha is a follow-up to a summit with Gulf Arab leaders that was called by President Barack Obama at Camp David in May and was snubbed by the leaders of Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
At that meeting Obama replied to worries among Gulf states about the Iran deal by pledging to back them against any 'external attack.'
He stopped short of offering a formal defense treaty that some Gulf states wanted. Instead he announced more modest measures including integrating ballistic missile defense systems and beefing up cyber and maritime security.