His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain has called for regional and global solidarity and sustained coordination among countries of the world to counter terrorism, dry up its sources of funding and finally defeat it.

He made the remarks as he received at the Al-Sakhir Palace the UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Shaikh Abdulla bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, marking the quartet’s joint meeting in Manama.

They were accompanied by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, a BNA report said.

A joint meeting of the foreign ministers of the quartet will be held in Manama on Sunday.

HM the King welcomed the ministers and wished them success in their joint meeting, hailing strong fraternal relations and joint cooperation between the four countries as well as strenuous efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.

He commended the quartet’s firm keenness on supporting the security and stability of the region, addressing its problems and protecting it from the policies of backing extremist groups and harbouring terrorists.

“These policies have caused dangerous humanitarian crises, with hundreds of thousands of our peoples displaced and left homeless, facing hardships in the diaspora”, he said.

He highlighted the tragic plight of the displaced people, stressing the need to help them return to their homes safely and ensure them security and stability.

He paid tribute to martyrs from the four countries, who fell in the line of duty in the fight against the scourge of terrorism to defend our countries and peoples.

“Our countries will continue their strenuous efforts to protect the blessed march of the Gulf Cooperation Council from any policies which may harm member states, affect its peoples or derail its achievements”, he said.

HM the King stressed the crucial importance of defending the pan-Arab security and staving off any subversive attempts preying on the Arab region.

He commended the foreign ministers’ strenuous efforts to maintain regional security and stability, saying that Bahrain stands united with sister countries and backs all joint stances and measures to confront challenges and threats.

“The strength and cohesion of Arab countries depend on their solidarity and unity in confronting all challenges.”, he said, describing pan-Arab joint action, at this defining period, as the vital pillar and the inevitable choice.

“This critical phase requires stronger cooperation and unity to protect our vital interests, thwart subversive designs which aim at sowing divisions and undermining the pan-Arab security."

HM the King reviewed with the foreign ministers latest developments in the regional and international arenas.