HRH Premier receives GCC secretary-general

Manama, July 22 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa has affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established for the sake of GCC peoples and will remain. HRH Premier stressed that the needs and aspirations of GCC citizens require stepping up efforts to strengthen solidarity and collaboration, expressing confidence that GCC leaders will spare no effort in order to fulfill the aspirations of their peoples for preserving the gains and achievments attained under the GCC in many fields of joint cooperation. The Prime Minister made the statements while receiving GCC Secretary-General, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, at the Gudaibiya Palace today. HRH Premier underlined Bahrain’s keenness to support initiatives that consolidate the GCC march and maintain its unity and peoples’ cohesion to attain more accomplished for the best interests of everybody, noting that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the kingdom is always keen to ensure that its relations with brotherly countries are strong at all levels. While the GCC is the all-inclusive home for its member countries, Saudi Arabia is the main pillar of this home and all its members, and it has always supported the blessed GCC march, the Premier said. HRH the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of initiatives that back the GCC entity and increase its regional and international influence, being the safety valve for the region’s security and stability and the platform that strengthens ties among its countries and peoples. HRH Premier praised the role played by the GCC secretary-general and his aids at the Secretariat-General in following up on cooperation aspects among member states, and keenness to implement resolutions that boost cooperation in various economic, social, political and security fields. GCC secretary-general extended thanks and appreciation to HRH Premier for his stances in support of every joint GCC action. Dr, Al-Zayani affirmed that the Prime Minister’s supportive stances towards the GCC, and constant directives to the government to expedite the implementation of GCC resolutions have contributed to deepening GCC cooperation and coordination.