RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) views the stability of Iraq as crucial and intertwined with that of member states, the bloc’s chief, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, said on Sunday, citing the matter as a perennial concern. Holding talks with a visiting delegation of Iraqi lawmakers, the GCC secretary general spoke of the camaraderie between Gulf Arab states and Baghdad, underscoring that the six-member bloc backs all measures taken to keep Iraq’s stability and security intact, according to a bloc statement. Current happenings around the region and beyond were also among the matters discussed between the two sides, according to the statement. — KUNA

GCC secretary general Jasem Al-Bedaiwi receives a delegation from Iraq's Parliament. – KUNA photos