22-11-2024 03:37 PM Jerusalem Timing

Carter: We Want Gulf States to Strengthen Commitment to War on ISIL

Carter: We Want Gulf States to Strengthen Commitment to War on ISIL

The US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter said on Wednesday that the US-led international coalition against ISIL requires from the Persian Gulf states in particular to strengthen its commitment.

US Secretary of Defense Ashton CarterThe US Secretary of Defense  Ashton Carter said on Wednesday that the US-led international coalition against the so-called 'Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant' (ISIL) takfiri group requires from the Persian Gulf states in particular to strengthen its commitment to the campaign.

"The countries of the region can and should contribute in great shape to the success of the [anti-ISIL] campaign," he said, adding that "actually we urge Gulf states to do more on both military and non-military levels."

"There are many things they can do. Not only to defeat ISIL, but also to strengthen security in the region," Carter said.

The US official announced that the United States has invited defense ministers from 26 countries involved in the anti-ISIL coalition to the meeting in next February in Brussels.

After a meeting of ministers of seven member states member in the anti-ISIL coalition held in Paris, Carter said that each State must attend and be ready to discuss how to contribute more in the fighting.

For his part, French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian said that another meeting of the seven ministers may be held in London following Brussels meeting.