The US and GCC states have pledged to strengthen co-operation to counter the threat of terrorism and enhance economic and trade relations, said a report.

This came during the fourth ministerial meeting of the GCC-US Strategic Co-operation Forum, attended by GCC foreign ministers and US Secretary of State John Kerry, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa led Bahrain's delegation to the forum, held on the sidelines of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The meeting also discussed regional developments including the crises in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, as well as the alliance's strategy against terrorist and extremist groups.

A statement confirmed the importance of the forum as a platform for co-operation and strategic co-ordination of policies that promote common political, military, security and economic goals in the Gulf.

It also highlighted major challenges facing the region and means of boosting security and stability, as well as strengthening political, security, economic and cultural co-operation.

The statement welcomed Bahrain's hosting of an international conference to combat the financing of terrorism in November. It also noted the increasing importance of multinational initiatives to ensure maritime security in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid met US Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Tom Malinowski and Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Anne W Patterson.

The Foreign Minister praised deep-rooted Bahraini-US relations and briefed them on the latest developments in the kingdom.-TradeArabia News Service