CAIRO, June 1. /TASS/. The member-countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) share a common stance with respect to the crisis in Ukraine, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, told a news conference following the joint Russia-GCC ministerial meeting on Wednesday. The news conference was broadcast by the Al-Arabiya TV channel.

"The countries of the Persian Gulf share a common stance regarding the Ukrainian crisis and its negative consequences, especially with regard to the food security of other countries," Al Saud said.

For his part, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who took part in the meeting, said that "the GCC countries understand the nature of the conflict between Russia and the West." Also, Lavrov confirmed that Russia appreciated this balanced position and the refusal of the GCC countries to join the illegitimate unilateral Western sanctions against Moscow and Minsk.

Earlier, during a meeting with Lavrov Al Saud stressed that "the kingdom's position regarding the crisis in Ukraine is based on the principles of international law and support for efforts aimed at achieving a political solution to the crisis."

Lavrov arrived in the capital of Saudi Arabia on Tuesday on a two-day official visit.