The security, stability and Arab identity of Gulf countries is a national commitment, Egypt's foreign affairs minister said at a press conference Wednesday.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Nabil al-Arabi said the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states coordinated to preserve security and stability in Bahrain and the region, which is important to Egypt's own security.
GCC forces intervened in Bahrain after protests similar to those occurring across the region broke out and the country's government declared a state of emergency. Thirteen demonstrators and four policemen have been killed since anti-government protests began in February.
The protests have escalated sectarian tensions between the Shia majority and security forces, which have been led by Sunnis since the 1990s.
A number of Iranian officials, including President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, demanded the withdrawal of Gulf forces, calling their presence an "occupation."
Relations between Gulf states and Iran have been tense since Bahrain accused Iran of igniting the protests, which are led by the Shia majority.
