(With photos) BRUSSELS, Jan 30 (KUNA) -- NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Dr Adbullatif Al-Zayani met here Monday afternoon to discuss a range of issues including developments in the Middle East, the importance of cooperative security and of regular contacts between NATO and the GCC.
During the meeting, Rasmussen praised the strong cooperation between NATO and six GCC member states under the framework of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI), according to an NATO press release.
He highlighted the active and positive role played by the GCC in the recent crisis in Libya. NATO and Partners, including GCC members, enforced the historic resolution of the United Nations Security Council on Libya and saved countless lives.
Looking ahead, the NATO Secretary General noted that the upcoming NATO Summit in Chicago will provide an opportunity for NATO to underline its interest in stability and security in the Middle East East and North Africa and to enhance political relations and practical cooperation with countries in the region.
The GCC chief arrived in Brussels on Sunday for a three-day visit for talks with EU and NATO officials. (end) nk.bs KUNA 302036 Jan 12NNNN