The ministers discussed the GCC-Iranian relations and stressed the importance of the relations among all states in the region to adhere to the UN Charter, international law, the principles of good neighborliness, respect of national sovereignty of states, non-interference in internal affairs, non-use or threat of force and peaceful settlement of disputes. The ministers reviewed progress in the strategic relationship between the GCC and the European Union, and adopted the minutes of the Joint Cooperation Committee meeting held at the General Secretariat on April 6, 2016. The ministers expressed their willingness to work together to address common political, social, economic and security challenges, and the challenges of economic stability and supporting the economic diversification strategies, such as the Saudi national transformation plan and similar plans in the GCC countries. They expressed satisfaction that bilateral trade accounted for more than 155 billion euros in 2015, an increase of 55% since 2010. The ministers welcomed the cooperation initiatives that have been taken since the last ministerial meetings, especially through the GCC-EU dialogue on economy, air transport, the team of energy experts, exchanges on rail transport, and cooperation in the field of economic diversification. The ministers welcomed the results of the visit of the joint GCC parliamentary delegation to the European Parliament on 28 April 2016, which reflected the keenness of both sides to strengthen the bonds of relationships and understanding at the parliamentary level. The ministers also welcomed the holding of the GCC-European businessmen forum in Brussels on May 23 to 24, 2016 as the event is important for the promotion and development of economic and trade ties and investment opportunities between the GCC countries and the European Union. The ministers looked forward to expanding the existing relations between the GCC and the EU by increasing communication between peoples and promoting of cooperation in social, economic, educational, cultural, scientific and human rights fields. The ministers agreed to hold their next meeting in Bahrain in 2017. --SPA 02:49 LOCAL TIME 23:49 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w