MANAMA, Nov 30 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani affirmed Sunday that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has proven its ability to confront regional and international challenges over the past years, making it an active and influential regional entity in promoting security and stability.
The minister added the council's developmental achievements have become a model of sound planning and wise vision, earning it significant international recognition.
This came in a speech delivered by Al-Zayani during his chairmanship of the 166th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, a preparatory meeting for the 46th GCC Summit of the leaders of the GCC states, in the presence of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, foreign ministers and representatives of the GCC states, and GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi.
The Bahraini minister noted that the Supreme Council of the GCC emphasizes the importance of continuously evaluating the achievements of collective action, and calls for the adoption of positions and decisions that enhance the performance of the GCC, the solidarity of its member states.
Al-Zayani said the council's unity of positions, and the continued commitment to driving development has tremendously benefited GCC citizens.
He added that he also affirms support for just Arab causes, the preservation of Arab national security, and the guarantee of the rights of Arab peoples to security, stability, and a dignified life, as well as cooperation with the international community to maintain global peace and security and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all humanity.
Al-Zayani expressed his sincere thanks to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait for his valuable efforts during his chairmanship of the previous session of the Ministerial Council, and for his wise management of its meetings, and to the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council, his assistants, and the staff of the General Secretariat for their efforts in preparing for this meeting.
In his address during the meeting, the Secretary-General of GCC Jassem Al-Budaiwi expressed his deepest gratitude to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its generous hosting of the Ministerial Council meeting, held in preparation for the 46th session of the Supreme Council, which Bahrain will host.
Al-Budaiwi expressed hopes that the Kingdom's presidency of the Supreme Council would lead to further progress and achievements in the blessed journey of the GCC.
He also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to the leaders of the GCC member states for their unwavering support of the General Secretariat and the joint Gulf action, affirming the General Secretariat's continued commitment, with all its staff, to diligently implement their directives and advance the joint Gulf action to achieve the desired Gulf integration.
The meeting addressed the topics on the Council's agenda, including monitoring the implementation of the Supreme Council and Ministerial Council resolutions, and discussing recommendations submitted by specialized ministerial councils and committees, as well as reports submitted by the General Secretariat concerning strengthening Gulf cooperation and integration in various political, economic, security, defense, developmental, and social fields.
The Ministerial Council discussed developments in free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC and various countries and international groups, the outcomes of joint meetings between the GCC and several friendly nations and international blocs, and the ongoing arrangements for holding a number of summits, conferences, and strategic dialogues between the GCC and several friendly countries.
The Ministerial Council also discussed current regional and international developments and their implications for regional security and stability, the latest developments in several countries, efforts to de-escalate tensions and escalate conflicts, support relief efforts, and provide humanitarian assistance to those affected by conflicts.
In addition, the Council addressed issues related to maintaining regional security and stability, combating terrorism and extremism, and protecting maritime navigation. (end) kna.mb