HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, chair of the 15th GCC Consultative Meeting, took part Tuesday with Their Highness leaders of the council's member countries in the meeting held in Dir’iyah Palace in Riyadh.

French President Francois Hollande attended the meeting.

King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques gave a speech during the meeting. The king said he was pleased to welcome French President Francois Hollande as a guest of honor to the consultative summit. King Salman added that the presence of Hollande reflected the strong ties between France and the GCC. King Salman also recognized France's "active role in contributing to the stability of our region and its positive positions toward our regional issues", adding that the GCC looked forward to "strengthening close relations linking our countries in all fields." The King of Saudi Arabia added that the meeting came at a time when the region was facing critical challenges that requires everyone to work together to maintain the interest of the people in the Arab World. The King added that the region was facing foreign threats that seeks to destabilize the region's security and plant sectarian violence and terrorism.

On the situation in Yemen, King Salman said he hoped that operation Renewal of Hope will bring all Yemeni parties together after the success of Al Hazm storm. The King added that the foundation of dialogue between the Yemeni parties should be based on the GCC initiative and Security Council resolution no. 2216. Furthermore the GCC was committed to the support humanitarian and relief works, "including standing by the side of Yemeni people in their humanitarian sufferings, we declare the establishment of Humanitarian and Relief Works Centre to based in Riyadh, hoping that the United Nations is to effectively participate in coordinating the activities of all humanitarian and relief works of this center." The King of Saudi Arabia added that as a sign of support to the Yemeni people, "we have issued directives to correct the illegal residence status of some Yemeni expatriates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, allowing them to practice work in order to alleviate the burden on them and enable them to live in dignity and honor among their brothers." On attempts to own nuclear weapons, the Custodian of the Two Holly Mosques said that such ambition will be a international peace and stability and not just the region's. The King called on the international community and the 5+1 group to put strict rules that guarentees maintaining peace in the region by preventing any potential race for nuclear arms.

On the Palestinian issue, The King of Saudi Arabia said it remains the focal issue of the Arab and Islamic world due to the suffering of the Palestinian people and the threat the Israeli occupation presents to international peace and security.

As for the Syrian crisis, the Saudi King said Geneva 1 statement represented a good starting point to achieving peace and stability in Syria and rid it of terrorism. The king stressed however that the current regime in Syria does not have a role in the country's future.

Then, President Francois Hollande of the French Republic delivered a speech in which he thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the GCC leaders for inviting him as first ever guest of honor of their consultative meetings.

The French President stressed that France supports the Operation Determination Storm which now transferred into Operation Renewal of Hope aiming to restore stability in Yemen, reiterating France's commitment to stand by and support the Gulf Cooperation Council, not only as a friend and ally, but because defending the GCC interests means defending France's interests.

Francois Hollande added that he agreed with the Custodian of the Two holy Mosques to upgrade existing defense agreement between us to the highest levels.

The French President confirmed that France will play its role and continue in finding solutions for the Syrian crisis through bringing the moderate opposition at one point. Likewise, France stands by the side of the coalition fighting Daesh and trying to bring the situation in control in Libya through the UN efforts.

He added that France stands by supporting the Yemeni legitimacy for Yemeni's unity and freedom as well as for implementing the Security Council decision No. 2216. He paid tribute to the King's initiative to hold soon in Riyadh a conference for Yemeni parties.

Regarding the Iranian issue, Hollande stressed that ongoing talks on the Iranian nuclear program deserves our keenness and vigilance. "We want strong, sustainable and verifiable agreement. We must remain attentive to the Iranian actions and not only words, "the French President said.

President Francois Hollande concluded his speech, saying "France is an independent country acting with sovereignty in what it decides to do or not to do.France's partnership with the GCC countries and the region is strong, he added expressing willingness to further strengthen his country's relations with the Gulf Cooperation Council and its Member states.