Iran's relationship with the Gulf countries will be among the key issues discussed during the conclusion of the Arabian Gulf Security conference today.

The Persian state must dissociate itself from the tools of interference in the internal affairs of regional countries such as exploiting ideological differences and threatening their stability, said His Majesty King Hamad's diplomatic affairs adviser and Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies chairman Dr Mohammed Abdulghaffar.

"The differences that currently exist between Iran and its neighbours and the international community demand serious consideration and discussion that can highlight mechanisms towards a common understanding, aimed at achieving lasting peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East region," he added.

Dr Abdulghaffar said Iranians should co-operate with the international community to resolve the problems posed by its nuclear programme and seek to change in its external policies towards its neighbours.

"The conference will also cover the impact of regional events on the security situation in the Gulf," he said.

"Gulf diplomacy is encountering new challenges that exemplify the need to establish a joint-action policy to contain political crises faced by a number of countries in the region and to minimise social and economic risks.

"This comes at a time when several Arab states are facing hurdles in overcoming their political crises and achieving security and stability.

"This has become increasingly important in light of the galvanisation of radical groups who regard the region's political instability as ideal conditions for expanding their activities," Dr Abdulghaffar said.

Discussions on ways to enhance co-operation between the GCC states on the basis of the Joint Defence Treaty, which targets military and security integration, are also on the agenda.

The treaty automatically links air force operations and air defence by the GCC states and links the GCC armed forces with a unified communications network, strengthening the air defence capabilities of a range of defence missile systems based on the general defence strategy adopted at the Kuwait Summit in 2009.

Talks will also focus on a US proposal to establish a regional missile shield project and the increased interest of Britain to develop its defence and security relations with the GCC states.