Parliamentary support to GCC policies stressed

Manama, June 7 (BNA): Speaker of the Council of Representatives Ahmed bin Ibrahim AL Mulla has reiterated the support of the Legislative Branch to the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on strengthening joint action of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He also asserted that the resolutions of the Consultative Summit of the GCC Supreme Council enjoy the full support of the Legislature, as they meet the aspirations of GCC peoples for enhancing coordination among GCC countries in all economic and development fields. Al-Mulla was speaking during his meeting here today with the Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, in the presence of a number of law-makers. The minister updated MPs on the latest development regarding the regional and global situation. The Speaker praised the landmark GCC achievements, stressing the need to move the Gulf unity phase, reiterating parliamentary support for any steps taken by the GCC in this regard. He hailed the GCC leaders’ decision to form the high-level Economic and Development Affairs Commission which will be responsible for enhancing integration and coordination among the GCC states in all economic and development fields, and to expedite joint action. He also lauded GCC leaders’ support for GCC Customs Union, Joint GCC Market, easy customs procedures and equality between GCC citizens in economic fields. The Speaker stressed the importance of coordination and complementarity among GCC member states in the fields of security and foreign policy, affirming that achieving GCC security and stability tops the priorities of the Legislative Branch in Bahrain. Al Mulla also expressed support to the shared GCC stances vis-à-vis regional and global issues, hailing the GCC Consultative Meeting’s decision to hold regular joint meetings of GCC defence, interior and foreign ministers to coordinate stances and policies. He affirmed that GCC citizens’ loyalty to their nations and societies is enough to achieve security, stability and prosperity without seeking the support of foreign parties that achieve no good for their citizens. He also stressed that GCC countries are keen on building good relations with all countries, especially Iran provided that the latter gives up its principle of exporting the Revolution. He also called on Iran to be committed to the principle that the citizens’ loyalty to their countries should be based on citizenship, not on sectarian affiliation. Iran should also be committed to the principles of good neighbourliness, sovereignty of states and non-interference in the others’ domestic affairs. The Speaker thanked the Foreign Minister for his efforts to update the Council of Representatives on the latest regional and international development, as well as the leading role played by the Kingdom of Bahrain in this regard.