Abu Dhabi, June 10, 2021, SPA -- Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reiterated that the GCC has been performing its duties and achieving its objectives steadily and firmly despite all challenges, stressing that the GCC security is an indivisible whole. He affirmed that the Council is a keystone in entrenching security, stability and sustainable development of the region. Al-Hajraf made his remarks while addressing the audience today, at the National Defense College in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of a number of participants and commanders from various military, security, and civil sectors, praising the National Defense College, as a distinguished edifice that is part of achievements of the sustainable development process in the UAE. "The GCC has made significant achievements during the past four decades," Al-Hajraf said, citing the joint defense agreement, the defense strategy of the GCC countries, linking Air Force and Air Defense Operations Centers, implementing bilateral and joint exercises and training, approving the establishment of the Gulf Strategic and Security Studies Academy in 2023, and the resolution issued at the Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah Summit in the 41st session to change the name of the Joint Peninsula Shield Forces Command to the unified military leadership of the GCC states, as a true translation of the support and interest received by the joint defense cooperation from the leaders of the GCC states. He stressed the firm methodology of the GCC, which proved its ability to preserve the Council as the most important political and economic entity at the regional level. He concluded that the Gulf Cooperation Council is capable of facing any challenges and will continue to march towards the lofty goals of the Council, to save the interests of the GCC citizens and maintain the security and stability of the region. --SPA 18:05 LOCAL TIME 15:05 GMT 0030 www.spa.gov.sa/w1570164