Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi held talks in Manama on Friday with US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs Barbara Leaf.
They reviewed the cooperative relationship between the GCC countries and United States and explored means to strengthen and develop this strategic partnership for mutual benefit.
They also discussed issues of common interest and the latest regional and international developments.
Albudaiwi and Leaf met on the sidelines of 20th IISS Manama Dialogue, which is being organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in cooperation with the Bahraini Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This year's theme of the Dialogue is "Middle East Leadership in Shaping Regional Prosperity and Security."
Albudaiwi also met with EU operation commander of EUNAVFOR Aspides Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis.
The GCC chief and the commander of the European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea discussed developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden regions.
The meeting also covered the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual concern.
Albudaiwi emphasized the concerns over the ongoing developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. He stressed the importance of de-escalation to maintain the security and stability of the region and respect for freedom of navigation in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
