GCC countries our strategic depth: Premier

Manama

 His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa said that countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) already had enough requirements and guarantors to set up the most successful union in the world. He reiterated full support to any tendency to establish the Gulf Union.

 “Countries should be supported by their neighbours. Bahrain has the best neighbour, which is Saudi Arabia, and other GCC countries. They are our supporters and strategic depth,” he remarked while speaking in a meeting with scores of citizens, including businessmen, intellectuals, media figures and artists at Gudaibiya Palace yesterday.  

HRH the Prime Minister emphasised that the challenges facing the region required a unified Arab vision and a decisive stance by Arab leaders. “This will protect our countries from the looming threats, prevent the depletion of their resources and potentials and foil efforts to impose a reality that subverts their security and stability,” he added.

 In the meeting, HRH Premier called for concerted efforts to spur the national economy by taking advantage of the government’s trade openness policy, and keenness to consolidate economic diversity and strengthen the role of the private sector.

 He stressed the importance of increasing productivity, upgrading performance and avoiding complacency to stimulate the economy.

HRH the Prime Minister said that the government listened to the opinions of businessmen and traders through the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).

 Commenting on the role played by the national Press in the kingdom’s economic development and trade affairs, HRH Premier urged full cooperation between the trade sector and the Press.

 HRH Premier pointed out that the government was keen to encourage investments and business activities to strengthen the kingdom’s economic competitive potentials.

 He lauded the role and dedication of Bahraini artists, and took pride in their participation in GCC or Arab artistic works. “Their nation should be the first to benefit from their creativity and works.”

 He urged the official media bodies to give the largest share to Bahraini artists within their plans and programmes. “Artistic works should reflect the situation objectively, and without exaggeration so as not to project a negative and unreal impression about the Bahraini society,” he added.