Zayani delivered a speech in which he welcomed everyone and wished the meeting success and coming out with the desired results to strengthen ties of friendship and cooperation between the GCC's member States and the United States of America. He thanked and welcomed the U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and the accompanying delegation, noting that their participation in this meeting confirms the United States' interest to strengthen its relationship with the GCC, particularly in the military field and in light of the risks and challenges facing this vital region of the world. Dr. Al-Zayani further said that this meeting was taking place in the context of the GCC-U.S. Dialogue Forum, and reflecting the common desire to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation that brought the GCC and the United States of America together for decades. He highlighted the GCC's member States belief that the United States is considered an important strategic ally which plays a fundamental role in maintaining the region's security and stability. --More 15:13 LOCAL TIME 12:13 GMT تغريد
