Jeddah summit calls on Iran to co-operate with nuclear watchdog

All states must preserve security and economic stability to counter challenges, says concluding statement

US President Joe Biden attends the GCC+3 summit in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Reuters

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speaks during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. AFP

Mr Biden takes notes while an usher serves coffee during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. AFP

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi attends the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. AFP

Jordan's King Abdullah II attends the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. AFP

Mr Biden speaks during the GCC+3 meeting. AFP

Leaders and representatives of the Gulf Co-operation Council countries, as well as the US, Egypt, Iraq, and Jordan, attend the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. AFP

From left: Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister of Oman and Special Representative of the Sultan, the UAE's President, Sheikh Mohamed, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Bahrain's King Hamad, US President Joe Biden, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; Jordan's King Abdullah II, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Kuwait's Crown Prince Mishal Al Sabah, and Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, during the Jeddah Security and Development Summit. Photo: Jordanian Royal Palace / AFP

US President Joe Biden and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrive for the family photo. AP

Crown Prince Mohammed receives Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. SPA

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Jordan's King Abdullah II. SPA

Bahrain's King Hamad is welcomed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Jeddah. SPA

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed receives Asa'ad bin Tariq, Deputy Prime Minister and Special Representative of the Sultan of Oman, in Jeddah. SPA

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives Sheikh Mishal Al Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, before the Jeddah Security and Development Summit on Saturday. SPA

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi speaks with Crown Prince Mohammed after arriving for the summit. SPA

US President Joe Biden is received by Prince Khalid Al Faisal Al Saud, Governor of Makkah, in Jeddah. Photo: Media Office of the Governor of Mecca

Crown Prince Mohammed receives Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad. SPA

Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi with Crown Prince Mohammed. AFP

Arab leaders on Saturday urged Iran to work with UN nuclear inspectors and said everyone must take steps to preserve regional security following a major summit in Jeddah with visiting US President Joe Biden.

Leaders of GCC states were joined by the US president as well as King Abdullah of Jordan, Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi of Iraq and President Abdel Fatah El Sisi of Egypt.

The meeting, titled the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, discussed issues from energy and food security to the threat from Iran and regional stability.

The final communique from leaders urged Tehran to “co-operate with regional states and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to maintain stability”.

They called on Tehran "to keep the Arab Gulf region free of weapons of mass destruction and to maintain regional and international security and stability," said the statement.

Co-operation and integration between nation states will bring about a common vision of regional peace and prosperity, leaders said.

They urged all in the region to "jointly address the challenges it faces, and adhere to the rules of good-neighbourliness, mutual respect and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity".

US relations with the Gulf during the past few years have been ruled by multiple issues, notably Washington's push for a deal to curb Iran's nuclear programme after then president Donald Trump withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord and Tehran ramped up enrichment.

There is increased concern for security after attacks on Saudi oil facilities in 2019 claimed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels and similar strikes on the UAE in January 2020.

On Yemen, the officials welcomed the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council, expressing their hope that a political solution would be reached in accordance with the UN resolutions.

"The leaders called on all Yemeni parties to seize the opportunity and start direct negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations."

They stressed the importance of continuing humanitarian and economic support for the Yemeni people, and ensuring aid agencies gain access to all parts of Yemen, said the statement.

Since 2014, Yemen has been marred in a civil conflict that has left millions on the brink of starvation.

They also urged international parties to work to end the war in Ukraine and stressed the importance of facilitating the export of grain and supporting food security in countries affected by the conflict.

"With regard to the war in Ukraine, the leaders reiterate the need for international law to be followed and to ensure that the use of force is not used," said the statement.

The Arab officials urged the international community to "double its efforts to reach a peaceful solution, end human suffering, to support refugees, displaced people and those affected by war," said the statement.

"We also call on the facilitation of the export of grain and foodstuffs, and support food security for those impacted by the war."