(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) Britain's Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is due to embark on a Gulf tour, where he will meet with foreign and defence ministers of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss the Iraqi crisis.
During the two-day tour, Hammond will discuss the developments in Iraq as jihadist group, the Islamic State of Syria and the Levant (ISIL), continues to occupy cities and towns in northern Iraq.
It will be an opportunity to discuss the need for a political solution to the crisis there, which is inclusive and representative of all Iraq's communities, said a statement by his office.
"The meetings with regional allies will again demonstrate the UK's commitment to the security of Gulf countries." Speaking ahead of the visit, Hammond said that, "the UK is deeply concerned by the recent developments in Iraq and the gains made by ISIL. Although the UK is not planning a military intervention, we are committed to finding a long-term political solution.
"We remain committed to the security of the Gulf and want to reassure our friends and allies that we will do everything possible to support those who are working for a stable and democratic Iraqi state and to alleviate humanitarian suffering." He went on to underline that "the response to these events must be led by the Iraqi government," adding "we are urgently looking at ways to help the Iraqi government - for example with counter-terrorist expertise."
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