In the defense field, the Ministerial Council got acquainted with the progress of defense cooperation activities during the past period. In this context, the Council expressed its satisfaction over steps that had been taken so far, affirming completion of all related procedures and various arrangements. In the sphere of security coordination and cooperation, the Ministerial Council was briefed on procedures that had already been undertaken by the GCC countries and expressed its satisfaction over these procedures. The Ministerial Council expressed its sorrow and condemnation over terror acts witnessed by a number of countries around the world. It reiterated that such criminal acts would, in fact, enhance further the global will to combat terrorism and promote international cooperation and coordination in eliminating terrorists and those who are behind them. It also welcomed and re-affirmed its support to Riyadh Declaration and recommendations adopted by the International Conference on combating terrorism led by the proposal of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul-aziz to establish an international Center for combating terrorism, which will positively contribute to international efforts against terrorism. In this regard, the Ministerial Council supported efforts aimed at forming a working team to study the recommendations which had been included in the proposed declaration relating to the establishment of the Center under the supervision of the United Nations. In the field of works of the consultative body of the GCC Supreme Council, the Ministerial Council was briefed on views of the consultative body as regards evaluation of the GCC march during the past 23 years and its views on the phenomena of terrorism.--MORE1214 Local Time 0914 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/287663