MANAMA: King of Bahrain H.M. Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, on Thursday, received H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the foreign ministers of other members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, GCC, and the bloc's Secretary-General Abdulatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, at Safriya Palace, to discuss the agenda of the 141st meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council and progress of GCC joint action, co-operation an integration.

During the meeting, which covered regional and international developments, King Hamad expressed appreciation for the ministers' efforts in serving the GCC joint action, co-operation and co-ordination as well as defending the interests of the member states.

He said he was looking forward to the next meeting of the GCC summit which, he noted, would boost joint action to make more ambitious achievements in the service of common interests.

The King of Bahrain further noted that the region is undergoing fast-paced changes and events that require continuous communication, co-ordination and consultations to achieve further intra-GCC cohesion and solidarity and counter challenges.

The ministers passed greetings and best wishes for further progress and prosperity from their countries' leaders to King Hamad, who requested them to convey his greetings and best wishes to the leaders.

They also thanked the King of Bahrain for his country's active role in strengthening the GCC.

Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahraini Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, attended the meeting between King Hamad and GCC ministers.

The 141st GCC ministerial meeting is being held in Manama in preparation of the 37th Gulf Supreme Council Summit, scheduled in December in Bahrain.