Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
One of the most important benefits of this Dialogue is the discussions it facilitates on collective GCC security arrangements, in particular the role of non-GCC countries in such arrangements.
These structures continue to develop, in both military and civilian fields, as shown by, for example, the recent meeting of GCC Interior Ministers held in Bahrain. The GCC states know that robust collective security arrangements are vital to their future development and we recognise the benefits of working together and with extra-regional countries to consolidate these arrangements and develop our individual and collective capabilities.
The United States will continue to play a key role in GCC and regional security. Nevertheless, other countries and international organisations recognise the strategic importance of the region, and will continue to make important contributions. For example, the GCC states have continued their cooperation with NATO in areas such as maritime security, training and capacity building, alongside and complementary to the efforts of the United States.
A strong, cooperative and complementary web of international links will be the best long-term guarantee of regional security and stability, and we look forward to using gatherings such as this to establish and strengthen such links.
Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,
In closing, may I welcome you once again to this Second Gulf Dialogue, and reiterate Bahrain's appreciation for your constructive participation.
It is now my great pleasure to introduce the Vice-President of Iraq, His Excellency Shaikh Ghazi Al-Yawar.
Your Excellency Shaikh Ghazi....
