Royal support to GCC lauded

Manama, Nov. 24 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa voiced appreciation of the comprehensive achievements brought about by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in various political, economic, development, security and military fields since its inception thirty five years ago. HM the King was speaking as he received at Safriya Palace today the GCC Foreign Ministers and Secretary General, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister. The GCC Foreign Ministers and Secretary General earlier held in Bahrain the 141st GCC Ministerial Council's preparatory meeting for the 37th GCC Summit which will be hosted by Bahrain next month. HM King Hamad praised the GCC ability to brave major regional challenges and welcomed the GCC Foreign Ministers, commending their efforts in bolstering GCC cooperation to serve the interests of its member states. He voiced Bahrain's keenness to further promote the GCC march during its presidency of the next session in order to achieve the aspirations of the GCC people for more integration and cooperation on the path of union. HM King Hamad said the next summit of the GCC Supreme Council will usher in a new phase of GCC work to bring about more ambitious achievements and serve the common interests of the member states. He also lauded wisdom of the GCC leaders which immunized their countries against many dangers and maintained their security and stability. He hailed strong and deep-rooted historic ties binding the GCC countries with the USA, voicing keenness on further consolidating those friendly relations and boosting cooperation with the new US administration led by President-elect Donald Trump. HM the King wished the new US President-elect every success , pointing out that the fast-paced regional changes require continuous coordination between the GCC countries for more unity to confront current challenges. HM King Hamad discussed the overall regional and international developments with the GCC Foreign Ministers who briefed him on main issues on the meeting's agenda. They also conveyed to him the greetings of the GCC leaders and their best wishes of more progress and prosperity to Bahrain. HM the King asked the ministers to convey his greetings to the GCC leaders and best wishes of further growth and welfare to their countries. The GCC ministers expressed thanks and gratitude to HM King Hamad for his valuable directives and for Bahrain's key role in promoting the GCC forward-looking movement and maximizing achievements.