GCC countries are closer to a decision on the six-month dispute with Qatar, which they had accused of destabilising the region by supporting the Muslim Brotherhood, a report said.

Foreign ministers at their meeting in Jeddah agreed on mechanisms to remove obstacles preventing joint GCC action, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

"The agreement was reached as everyone is aware of the dangers surrounding the region, therefore we must remove all obstacles, without any further delay, so as to press ahead with joint GCC march," Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Shaikh Sabah Al Khalid Al Hamad Al Sabah said. He added some Gulf envoys may return to Qatar.

Oman's Foreign Minister Yussef bin Alawi bin Abdullah earlier said the Gulf states had resolved the dispute with Qatar.

The ministers said "fighting terrorism" in the region amid threat posed by Islamist State of Iraq and Syria militants was among the important topics discussed.

GCC secretary general Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani described the outcome as a positive step reflecting strong unity and solidarity.

In the final communique, the ministers stressed the need to step up efforts for regional and international co-operation to fight terrorism and bring perpetrators to justice. – TradeArabia News Service