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ROCKVILLE, Md., April 23, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- The leaders of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and His Majesty King Mohammed VI participated in the first GCC - Morocco summit which was held in Riyadh on April 20th, 2016.

In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the GCC-Morocco summit, the leaders of the (GCC) and Morocco's King Mohammed VI renewed their commitment to collective defense of the security and the stability of their countries, and respect for countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They expressed their position supporting the fact that the Sahara is Moroccan and their support for Morocco's autonomy plan as the basis for any solution to this artificial regional dispute.

They reaffirmed their faith in the common destiny and goals and their attachment to the values of active solidarity and sincere fraternity, which are the basis of exceptional historical relations linking the GCC countries and the Kingdom of Morocco.

Reiterating their rejection of extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, GCC leaders and HM King Mohammed VI pointed out that this dangerous scourge should not be associated with a civilization or religion, calling to confront all attempts to spread sectarianism and confessionalism that fuel discord, with the intention to intervene in the internal affairs of States.

They called for the coordination of regional and international efforts to fight against terrorism and annihilate its causes, noting the importance of support to these efforts by the Islamic military alliance to combat terrorism.

The leaders also stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination to strengthen the foundations of the existing partnership between the GCC countries and the Kingdom of Morocco to meet the aspirations of their people, serve the interests of the Arab and Islamic nations and achieve global peace and security.