Manama, Rabi'I 3, 1437, Dec 14, 2015, SPA -- Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahraini Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, met here today with Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). During the meeting, the Bahraini Crown Prince stressed that increased GCC coordination is necessary in light of the challenges currently faced by the region. He added that GCC collaboration is underpinned by the shared priorities of meeting GCC citizens’ aspirations and maintaining security and stability within the region. He congratulated Dr. Al-Zayani and wished him every success following his reappointment as GCC Secretary-General. Prince Salman noted that his re-appointment demonstrates the significant achievements the GCC Secretariat has made under his leadership and the trust that GCC leaders have in his ability. The Bahraini Crown Prince was then briefed on the outcomes of the 36th GCC Summit that took place recently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He praised the role the summit plays in strengthening cooperation amongst GCC countries across a range of sectors. In this regard, the Bahraini Crown Prince emphasized the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in supporting the GCC and its development which reflects the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. He expressed hope for increased GCC integration in the future and noted that the upcoming GCC Summit in Bahrain will play a significant role in further reinforcing GCC ties, which is an essential element of tackling regional and international challenges. The GCC Secretary General emphasized the important role of Bahrain under the leadership of Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in further increasing GCC cooperation. He also expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Bahraini Crown Prince for his firm support to GCC integration and collaboration across all levels. --SPA 18:02 LOCAL TIME 15:02 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w