Bahrain reaffirms support for deeper GCC integration

Bahrain's Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, reiterated the kingdom's dedication to advancing integration and coordination among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. Speaking on Wednesday, he emphasized Bahrain's commitment, under King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa's leadership, to bolstering Gulf cooperation efforts.

These remarks were made during the Crown Prince's reception of delegation heads participating in the 167th Ministerial Council meeting of the GCC and the third joint ministerial meeting of the GCC-Canada Strategic Dialogue. Prince Salman highlighted the achievements of the GCC and the foundational work of previous generations, stressing the importance of building upon existing successes to strengthen ties and cooperation within the bloc.

Delegation leaders conveyed greetings from their respective GCC leaders to the Bahraini King and Crown Prince. Prince Salman reciprocated these sentiments, expressing hope that the meetings would yield positive outcomes and further enhance cooperation toward shared objectives. He underscored Bahrain's support for initiatives promoting peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable development, while also focusing on future opportunities across various sectors.

In a significant statement, the Crown Prince condemned recent Iranian attacks on GCC countries. He reaffirmed Bahrain's support for efforts aimed at preventing escalation, protecting civilian populations and vital infrastructure, and reinforcing regional and international peace and security. Additionally, he noted the enduring friendship between GCC nations and Canada, highlighting steady progress in bilateral cooperation and the potential for expanding joint efforts to elevate relations.