GCC ministers meet in Kuwait ahead of summit

KUWAIT, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- The Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Council concluded its 144th meeting on Monday ahead of the 38th leaders' summit underling the importance of maintaining the bloc's unity and resolve.
Delivering his opening speech at the session, held ahead of the leaders' summit on Tuesday, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled said that the presence of the delegations would contribute to the summit's success.
The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) unity and solidarity is still intact, he underlined, standing firm in the face of ongoing challenges over the years.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and his fellow GCC leaders are hopeful that the summit would continue to be the venue that serves the people of the region and maintains the rapid development the six-nation bloc, he added.
He also hoped that the current summit would meet the aspirations and dreams of the region's people and would support the continuation of the GCC's strides towards a bright future.
Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled also underlined the importance of the talks in maintaining the bloc's cooperation and joint action for the benefit of its peoples and to face challenges that threaten the region's security and stability.
In his own speech, GCC Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani said that strategic ties, linking the six-nation bloc, must continue to address current and future challenges.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah's strong support to the GCC's stability, security and cooperation is a clear example of Kuwait's generosity and its supportive stance, said Al-Zayani.
Alongside the Kuwaiti minister and the GCC chief, the talks were attended by Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yousef bin Alawi, Bahrain's Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Dosari, the UAE's State Minister Anwar Qarqash and Qatar's Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Thani.
Gulf leaders are expected to meet amid 38th Supreme Council summit talks on Tuesday. (end) kns.sd