JEDDAH, 28 June 2022, (TON): Four Arab states, the US and Israel agreed to forge closer ties and hold annual foreign ministers’ meetings amid a flurry of diplomatic activity before US President Joe Biden’s first visit to the Middle East.

The UAE, Egypt, Morocco and Bahrain took part in Monday’s six-country talks in Manama, following a summit in the Negev desert in March.

The aim is to drive closer cooperation in areas including security, clean energy, and food and water security.

A joint statement also expressed the group’s support for a negotiated settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Foreign ministers from the six countries are expected to meet annually and there will be further talks this year.

Foreign ministers from the six countries are expected to meet annually and there will be further talks this year.