Combating Terrorism: 1. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC constant stances and resolutions against terrorism and extremism. The council reviewed the developments in this regard. It also confirmed a continuation of the GCC support regarding the international coalition to fight the terrorist organization (ISIS) in Syria and Iraq, stressing the need to protect civilians and return of the displaced people to their cities and villages. The council welcomed outcomes of the international conference to promote efforts of the Islamic and friendly countries against ISIS terrorist organization held in Riyadh on January 15, 2017. The council considered this conference as a commitment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to support all international efforts to combat terrorism. 2. The Ministerial Council hailed an award received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of the Interior, from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) for the distinguished intelligence work in the field of combating terrorism, which is an international recognition of the Kingdom's outstanding work in the fight against terrorism. 3. The Ministerial Council lauded the efforts exerted by the security services in the Kingdom of Bahrain and its high efficiency in maintaining the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and its territorial integrity, praising its efforts to foil smuggling of a number of wanted fugitives in terrorist cases. The council supported all efforts taken by Bahrain in maintaining its security and stability. 4. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist attack on the guest house of Kandahar Governor which resulted in the martyrdom of the United Arab Emirates ambassador to Afghanistan and five diplomats during a humanitarian mission within the assistance program provided by the United Arab Emirates in Afghanistan. 5. The Ministerial Council lauded the opening of the NATO Regional Center for the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative countries in Kuwait to enhance aspects of joint coordination and cooperation in the security fields. 6. The Ministerial Council welcomed the statement issued by the US Department of State, which included placing of some persons belonging to the so-called Saraya Al-Ashtar on the list of global terrorists, stressing that this position reflects the determination of the United States of America to address all forms of terrorism at the regional and international levels. The council stressed that this stance represents a tangible support for the efforts of the Kingdom of Bahrain to promote security and peace in Bahrain. 7. The Ministerial Council expressed its deep condemnation of the statement made by the representative of the Swiss Confederation before the United Nations Human Rights Council in its 34th session in Geneva on human rights in Bahrain. The council expressed its categorical rejection of the allegations in the statement which ignores the efforts exerted by Bahrain in protecting and enhancing human rights. The council expressed hope that the Swiss government is to review its position and take information on human rights from the reliable sources. The council stressed that these rejected positions do not help to develop and strengthen the common relations between the GCC States and the Swiss Union. The situation in the Palestinian territories and developments of the Arab-Israeli conflict: 8. The Ministerial Council stressed the GCC firm and permanent stances and resolutions towards the Palestinian Cause, stressing that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace can be achieved only with the full withdrawal of Israel from all the Arab territories occupied in 1967 and with establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the international relevant resolutions. --More 21:09 LOCAL TIME 18:09 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w366150