Premier points out Gulf Union as inevitable goal

Manama, Nov. 6 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa today in Qudaibiyah Palace received a number of Gulf and Arab ambassadors and a crowd of citizens, businessmen, heads of civil society organisations, intellectuals, journalists and media figures. He pointed out the Gulf Union as an inevitable goal, and a necessity imposed by the current stage to confront security and economic challenges and other serious risks sweeping across the region. HRH Prime Minister said Bahrain will host the next GCC summit that will call for activating cooperation toward Gulf unity, calling for maintaining the unity of Arab stance and enhancing cooperation to face the serious developments witnessed by the region. HRH Prime Minister was congratulated by Gulf and Arab ambassadors on Grand Star in Gold of the Austrian Order of Merit for Protecting / upholding Traditions And Values, conferred upon him by the Habsburg royal family and Hollabrunn City Council in Austria in recognition of his key role in supporting charity and humanitarian activities and world peace. Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain, Dr. Abdullah Abdulmalik Al-Sheikh, on behalf of the present ambassadors, highlighted the Austrian Order of Merit conferred on HRH Prime Minister is a source of pride for the Arab nation. HRH Prime Minister said any honour he has received from countries and international organizations is a tribute to the people of Bahrain who are behind all national achievement accomplished, and that all national achievements admired by the world organisations are the result of joint national efforts for the advancement of the homeland and prosperity of its people. HRH Prime Minister congratulated the people of Bahrain for rallying around supporting national unity against the forces of division and extremism and strengthening their cohesion to defend the homeland's security and stability. HRH Prime Minister reviewed the regional and international developments, stressing the significance of unifying the Arab and Islamic states' stance and joint action against risks and challenges. He praised the supportive stances of the friendly countries toward Bahrain's efforts to further bolstering peace and stability in the interest of mankind and bringing development, reiterating Bahrain's keenness on promoting cooperation with friendly countries at trade and economic levels.