Bahrain king expresses kingdom's readiness for declaring GCC union

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa underlined Monday Bahrain's readiness for the GCC union to be declared, voicing keenness on the special summit which will convene in Riyadh. Addressing the nation on the occasion of the Kingdom's celebrations of its National Days, the King stressed the GCC leaders' determination to continue their relentless efforts to make the union see the light. He also congratulated Bahrain armed forces and the people on the agreement reached by the GCC leaders to set up a joint military command in Bahrain to ensure joint defence work as well as their approval of setting up a naval coordination center for maritime security in the kingdom of Bahrain. He pledged to follow the footsteps of the forefathers in fostering national unity, boosting the Arab identity and preserving the Islamic heritage by further promoting co-existence and tolerance among all Bahraini people. He stressed that Bahrain's policy of openness on the world is a source of power as it permits to avail of successful experiences in improving national performance, building a strong economy, increasing the Gross Domestic Product and bolstering sustainable development.