RIYADH — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al Hajraf stressed the importance of enhancing and expanding the strategic partnership between GCC and India to serve joint interests.

The remarks were made during Al-Hajraf’s meeting on Monday at the headquarters of the GCC Secretariat General with Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, whose tenure as Indian ambassador to Riyadh is coming to an end.

During the meeting, both sides discussed several regional and international issues of mutual concern, whatever that can enhance GCC-Indian relations, and opportunities to move this partnership to the level of strategic relations that can establish a new era that serves joint interests, in addition to the importance of intensifying cooperation in fields of joint interest.

Dr. Al-Hajraf praised the level of bilateral relations between the GCC and India in light of the framework agreement for economic cooperation signed between the two sides in 2004, and the significance of the GCC-Indian relations, voicing joint keenness to enhance these relations and moving them to horizons that serve joint interests and further enhance coordination and cooperation.

The GCC Secretary General also expressed appreciation and gratitude for Sayeed’s efforts during his tenure in supporting regional issues of joint concern, wishing him all success in his new duties.

Dr. Al-Hajraf received in Riyadh on Monday Bahraini Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Ali Bin Abdurrahman bin Ali Al Khalifa. During the meeting, they discussed the GCC march as well as its gains and achievements in accordance with the visions and aspirations of the GCC leaders. — SPA