GCC FMs, British foreign secretary conclude a meeting

The Foreign Ministers of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary William Hague have recently concluded their Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue in London with the participation of GCC Secretary General, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani. The final statement said that during the meeting, they have discussed key regional developments, noting that the depth of discussions on these developments highlighted the importance of dialogue between the GCC States and the United Kingdom in dealing with the challenges facing the region. This meeting has come as a continuation of the first ministerial meeting for the Strategic Dialogue, held between the GCC States and the United Kingdom in September 2011, in New York. The Ministers have commended the significant progress that has been achieved in the preparation of a joint action plan, which seeks to transform the common objectives of both sides into actions for the achievement of their common interests in accordance with specific time programs. It has also been agreed that the plan achieves the strategic objectives including maintaining security, peace and stability in the region; promoting trade, investment, tax treatment and consular cooperation, and enhancing economic growth and prosperity of peoples, sustainable development, and scientific and cultural exchanges. The two sides will complete the discussion of a joint action plan to be finalized and approved at the next Joint Ministerial Meeting. The plan will be implemented through regular dialogues at all levels, including political, security and economic fields, strengthening of partnerships between private sector representatives, and encouraging communications between peoples.