(VOVworld) – US President Barack Obama ruled on Monday that member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will be allowed to purchase certain US military equipment. The decision aims to foster relationships with US allies in the Gulf region. US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel earlier this month during a visit to the region stressed the need to boost cooperation between GCC countries and the US.

US Defence Secretary Chuck Hagel (Photo: AP)

US National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan said the GCC can purchase equipment and defence services necessary to promote national defence cooperation in the region.

According to analysts, President Obama is trying to reassure nervous Gulf region allies concerned about the US’s recent move toward Iran: a preliminary nuclear program agreement reached in Geneva in November.