GCC Secretariat marks 35th anniversary

18/05/2016

RIYADH-- The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) Secretariat marked on Tuesday the 35th anniversary of founding, in the presence of some senior Saudi officials, and Arab and Gulf diplomats.

Addressing the celebration, GCC Secretary General Abdulatif Al-Zayani expressed his gratitude to GCC leaders for their efforts to achieve integration since the council was established in 1981.

He thanked them for their support for the joint Gulf march which meets aspirations of their nations, achieves integration and promotes cooperation.

"On this occasion, it is a source of pride to witness further successes and achievements of the council over 35 years, thanks to Allah and GCC leaders for their wisdom and continued support," he said.

The GCC system managed to make great accomplishments by bolstering cooperation and integration among member states in different fields, politics, economy, defense and security, and by harnessing efforts and capabilities to back international causes, and brotherly and friendly countries, he added.

"GCC is proud today of being a fortress for maintaining security and stability of member states, while the region is facing bloody conflicts and unrests. GCC also is an oasis of progress and prosperity," he stressed.

Al-Zayani said that GCC countries and nations are aware of their religious, national and humanitarian responsibility towards supporting brothers and alleviating their suffering.

Despite GCC achievements and projects carried out, it realizes that the future needs serious and sincere work from all parties for further progress, he stated.

Finally, he voiced his gratitude to GCC Foreign Ministers, all the secretariat's employees and heads for their continued support.

He also granted a souvenir to Governor of Riyadh Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, thanking him for attending the ceremony in which a number of Gulf and Arab ambassadors to the Kingdom, and senior Saudi officials were present.