GCC Secretary-General Dr. Abdul-Latif bin Rashid al-Zayani underlined the great importance of the maritime security for the Gulf region and whole world in general. Addressing the NATO Gulf Strategic Dialogue in Manama yesterday, the GCC Secretary-General underlined that the free flow of energy supplies through the waterways in the Arabian Gulf is a vital factor in order to avoid the economic and industrial collapse in many world countries that depend on energy supplies from the Gulf states. He stressed the importance of providing comprehensive protection for the Gulf waterways through cooperation between the naval forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the allied and friendly countries. The GCC Chief also stressed the need to take Iran\'s threats to close the Strait of Hormuz into account. He added that the GCC countries are part from the Arab and Islamic world which witnesses permanent disorder and they are aware of the challenges surrounding them, yet they are in a strong position enables them to provide advice and consultation in the regional and international issues, and to help ensure the security and stability of the Gulf region and the Middle East. The NATO Gulf Strategic Dialogue opened in Manama yesterday with participation of 45 decision-makers and experts from governments, international organizations, and think tanks to discuss key issues for NATO and its regional partners. The seminar was sponsored by NATO Defense College and was organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), a world-leading authority on global security, political risk and military conflict.