RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will host and preside over the 42nd session of a summit for Arabian Gulf countries on December 14, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council said on Sunday. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf congratulated the Kingdom for assuming the presidency of the forty-second session of the GCC and thanked Bahrain for its great efforts during its presidency of the forty-first session of the council. The Secretary-General also praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s recent tour of GCC countries that strengthened the bonds of affection, love, and kinship that unite the leaders and citizens of those countries and developed relations in various fields. He said that foreign ministers who took part in a preparatory session for the summit in Riyadh on Sunday said they looked forward to strengthening cooperation in all fields and achieving the aspirations of GCC citizens. During a press conference after the session which was also attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Al-Hajraf said that GCC countries discussed relations with Egypt and ways to enhance them. The Secretary-General added that consultations between GCC countries and Egypt to enhance the stability of the region and the world continue. Shoukry, meanwhile, said the relationship that brings Egypt together with GCC countries is strategic and that his country is coordinating with the council on all issues. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said the upcoming GCC summit will discuss various issues including stability in the region.