Bahrain’s Prime Minister HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa yesterday (April 23) urged speeding up the implementation of the proposed GCC union.

He was receiving, in the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier, participants in a major conference spotlighting GCC national and regional security organised by the Bahrain Centre for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (DERASAT).

He highlighted that the implementation of the initiative launched by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has become a necessity.

"The GCC union is the best option to preserve GCC gains and achievements," the Premier said. "It is a popular demand that GCC countries should take accelerated steps that strengthen their political, economic and security integration," he was quoted as saying in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

He praised the crucial role played by the late King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud in unifying Saudi Arabia.

"We, as GCC states, can be inspired by such an experience and get united," he said.

He said that GCC countries have succeeded in building a solid framework through which they are moving steadfastly to achieve comprehensive development in all sectors.

The Premier noted that GCC states have ensured welfare for their people, and the need to safeguard those milestone achievements is growing day after day.

He underlined that GCC countries' determination to achieve their aspirations will not be affected under any circumstances.

The Premier emphasised the importance of strengthening relations among GCC states in the fields of security and food. He called for more meetings to discuss ways to improve joint action. The Premier praised the role of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Abdulla, to cement GCC co-operation and joint action, praising its continuous efforts to protect regional security and champion Arab and Islamic causes.

Meanwhile, participants thanked Bahrain for its efforts to consolidate GCC countries' role in protecting regional security, and initiatives aiming to make the GCC stronger and capable of facing the current challenges.

They affirmed that Bahrain has become a centre of international exhibitions thanks to its easy procedures, openness and future vision. – TradeArabia News Service