Donald Trump calls for 'strong, united' GCC in call with Emir of Qatar: White House

US President Donald Trump has spoken on the phone with the Emir of Qatar about regional counter-terrorism measures. (AP)

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for a strong, united Gulf Cooperation Council that is focused on countering regional threats in a call with the Emir of Qatar, the White House said.
The White House said in a statement that Trump and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani spoke about "action to counter terrorism and extremism in all forms."
"The leaders discussed areas in which the United States and Qatar can partner to bring more stability to the region, counter malign Iranian influence, and defeat terrorism," it said.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, who along with Qatar are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, plus non-GCC member Egypt cut off diplomatic, travel and trade ties with Qatar last year, accusing it of supporting militants and Iran. Doha denies the charges.
In June, Trump had called on Qatar to stop funding groups that commit terrorism, saying the Gulf nation had historically done so "at a very high level."