MANAMA: Bahrain last night welcomed an agreement by GCC leaders to continue studying a report on moving from a phase of GCC co-operation to one of union. Earlier, a communique issued at the end of the 14th GCC Summit, chaired in Riyadh by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said the leaders discussed the report and backed the Saudi monarch's proposal out of keenness to ensure all aspects are finalised for the desired goals to be met.

His Majesty King Hamad led Bahrain's delegation to the summit.

Under the proposal, the ministerial council will study the report and submit recommendations to the forthcoming GCC Supreme Council Summit in Riyadh.

Upon arrival at Riyadh air base, His Majesty asserted that the GCC countries' common desire to enhance joint action in order to meet the aspirations of their peoples will help them face the challenges and overcome all obstacles and difficulties.

"We are proud of GCC countries' supportive stances towards the kingdom, stemming from the common GCC feelings, aspirations and desire to push GCC action further," His Majesty said.

"We are looking forward to the establishment of the Gulf union, which is the focal point of joint GCC work through which we can keep abreast of the global developments and cope with the regional and international changes and challenges," he said.

His Majesty added that the launch of the GCC union would crown the successful GCC march over the past three decades and consolidate its values of solidarity, co-operation, fraternity and peace.