Addressing a meeting of GCC foreign ministers here, Prince Saud said Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah proposed the GCC union project during the last summit considering its significance in order to confront growing challenges.

"The union will not affect the sovereignty of any member country... and will not be used as a medium to interfere in their internal affairs. It aims at formulating effective bodies enjoying flexibility and speed and the ability to execute policies and programs," he said.

He said the new union would strengthen GCC cooperation in political, security, military and economic affairs. He stressed the need to remove all obstacles that stand in the way of greater GCC integration.

Prince Saud noted the important role played by GCC countries in dealing with new developments in the Arab world. He said a new government came to power in Sanaa as a result of the GCC initiative.

He urged Arab countries to avoid plunging into internal conflicts. “We should understand the hopes and aspirations of people to live with honor and freedom and keep away from applying oppressive policies,” he added.