His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister yesterday met Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)'s Secretary-General, at Gudaiybia Palace. During the meeting, His Royal Highness stressed that increased GCC coordination is necessary in light of the challenges currently faced by the region. He added that GCC collaboration is underpinned by the shared priorities of meeting GCC citizens' aspirations and maintaining security and stability within the region. His Royal Highness congratulated Dr Al-Zayani and wished him every success following his reappointment as GCC Secretary-General. His Royal Highness noted that his re-appointment demonstrates the significant achievements the GCC Secretariat has made under his leadership and the trust that GCC leaders have in his ability. His Royal Highness was then briefed on the outcomes of the 36th GCC Summit that took place recently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. His Royal Highness praised the role the summit plays in strengthening cooperation amongst GCC countries across a range of sectors. In this regard, His Royal Highness emphasised Saudi Arabia's pivotal role in supporting the GCC and its development, which reflects the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al-Saud. His Royal Highness expressed hope for increased GCC integration in the future and noted that the upcoming GCC Summit in Bahrain will play a significant role in further reinforcing GCC ties, which is an essential element of tackling regional and international challenges. The GCC Secretary-General emphasised the important role Bahrain plays, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad, in further increasing GCC cooperation. He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Royal Highness for his firm support to GCC integration and collaboration across all levels
