The Gulf foreign ministers takes part in a meeting in this April 30, 2015 photo, in the Saudi capital Riyadh, few days ahead of the summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has agreed on a concerted effort against terrorism by blacklisting terrorist organizations and individuals, while hailing Saudi Arabia’s efforts in tackling the menace.

The decision was taken at the 16th consultative meeting of GCC interior ministers in Doha on Wednesday. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani chaired the meeting.

According to GCC Secretary General Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the ministers discussed a number of issues related to joint security as well as efforts undertaken by agencies to enhance cooperation and coordination between member states.

“The ministers decided on a mechanism for a unified terrorist blacklist with the names of such organizations and individuals to help combat terrorism and its threat to the region,” he said.

“We praise the successful efforts of Saudi security forces that led to the busting of terror cells loyal to IS, as well as the work of security forces in Bahrain in arresting suspected members of a terrorist group,” he added.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser emphasized on a unified commitment to combat terrorism, extremist ideologies and also weaken terror-funding sources.

He said terrorism is the most serious threat GCC governments and citizens are facing.

On the blacklist, Shaikh Abdullah said: “The committee of experts has finalized its preparation and development of criteria for including entities and names in the list, allowing us to decide on the criteria and quick implementation.”

The ministers concluded the meeting with messages of congratulations to the new cabinet in Saudi Arabia, particularly Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif, Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister.

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