Bahrain urges greater integration of Gulf Cooperation Council countries

 Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called on Tuesday for greater integration of the six oil-rich Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states.

"Our meeting convenes in the backdrop of unprecedented political and economic circumstances which affect all countries in the world," he said at the opening session of the two-day GCC summit that started in Manama on Tuesday.

He said the GCC should play an active role in "seeking political solutions to the regional crises" and "staving off foreign interference."

"The GCC countries should upgrade and activate defense and security pacts so as to confront threats and the scourge of terrorism and protect Gulf nations and peoples and preserve achievements," he said.

The GCC Common Market, the power and water grid, the planned customs union, modern telecommunications and transport networks will be high on the summit agenda, according to the king.

Meanwhile, Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad Al Sabah said the Gulf countries supported the progress made to fight the Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.

source: Xinhua