Asked whether he thinks the global financial crisis would dominate the agenda, He said the GCC region is not isolated from the rest of the world and the member states did, indeed, coordinate and consider the technical aspects of the crisis while aiming at a united political stance expressed at international venues. "More than just surviving the crisis, the countries of the council managed the feat of maintaining an acceptable level of growth, overcoming pre-crisis inflation, reducing high cost of living, and their economies proved solid as well as versatile and seem to be well on their way to full recovery by now, "Sheikh Khalifa said. Highlighting the success of the GCC and harmony among its member countries, the UAE President said the process of integration among these countries was through gradual progression, constant deliberation, and consensus. "This also meant that most resolutions were fully realized, even if some took longer than set time." Sheikh Khalifa also affirmed that the accomplishments of the GCC far outweigh those of other groups. "Full integration was and still is the main theme of all GCC initiatives and the dream of its citizens," he said. The UAE President said "Achieving such a feat (of full integration) requires more than political will and resolutions; it requires laying the ground first and making structural changes so that the result could sustain an integrated body." "Moreover, we are much closer to that point now with such key blocs already in place such as the Customs Union, freedom of citizens in terms of economic and vocational activities, and amended economic legislation in our countries; our march to integration is sure, though not as fast as some desire it to be." --MORE --SPA 11:16 LOCAL TIME 08:16 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/726229