Bahrain Mirror: The official spokesperson of the British Government in the Middle East and North Africa, Edwin Samuel, announced that the British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond will start a 3-day tour on Sunday (May 29, 2016) to the GCC states to discuss two important issues; fighting the so-called Islamic State in Iraq and greater Syria (ISIS) and the crisis in Yemen.

Samuel stated in a report that Hammond will discuss with the leaders of GCC states a wide range of regional and international issues, including the vital role that the Gulf countries have in countering ISIS and working to overcome regional challenges such as the situations in Syria, Iraq, and Libya.

The GCC states comprise Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha, the United Arab Emirates and Oman.

"Wherever we look, the world is becoming more dangerous and more uncertain. International engagement is fundamental to maintaining both Britain's security and our prosperity. Britain's strong relations with the Gulf states enable us to work together on regional challenges and shared threats that confront us, whether from violent extremism, terrorism, or volatile economic conditions," said Hammond on Sunday.

"The crisis in Yemen will be high on my agenda during discussions in the Gulf. Allowing the state to collapse is simply not an option. Britain is continuing to work together with all parties to support a comprehensive political solution to the conflict," he further stated.

Samuel also noted that the Foreign Secretary will meet the UN Special Envoy to Yemen, Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed in Kuwait during his trip to reiterate UK support for the peace process.

Arabic Version