The 32nd GCC Summit will be held in Saudi Arabia next year, instead of Bahrain.

'The decision follows directives of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and His Majesty King Hamad's desire,' Saudi Second Deputy Premier and Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdulaziz Al Saud announced yesterday.

His Majesty attended the first closed-door work session of the 31st GCC Summit, which was chaired by UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.

The leaders discussed key political and economic issues on the agenda.

His Majesty later joined other GCC leaders to take part in the closing session.

GCC secretary-general Abdulrahman Al Attiyah read a cable addressed to the summit by King Abdullah.

'Although absent physically from the summit due to my health problem, I am present with my soul, sharing the hopes and goals of our historic responsibilities,' he said.

King Abdullah wished GCC leaders success and thanked them for their good feelings, which, he said, alleviated his health problem.

He regretted missing the 'best of meetings', the 31st GCC summit, and reiterated his firm commitment to the 'trust towards GCC peoples'.

'This trust, which I always bear in me, stems from our religion, Arab identity and the interests of our Arab and Islamic nations,' he said.

The UAE President addressed the leaders concluding the summit, wishing health for King Abdullah following the operations he had undergone.

Prince Nayef, head of the Saudi delegation, also addressed the GCC leaders, welcoming them to the 32nd summit in their 'second motherland', Saudi Arabia.

He thanked UAE Deputy President, Prime Minister and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE Armed Forces Deputy Supreme Commander Lieutenant General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the UAE government and people for their good organisation and hospitality.

l GCC secretary-general designate Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani yesterday thanked His Majesty for nominating him to the position.

Speaking following a GCC leaders' decision endorsing his appointment in their final communique, Dr Al Zayani thanked them. He also extended thanks to the present incumbent Abdulrahman Al Attiyah, lauding his achievements, competence, efforts and contribution to the GCC march.-TradeArabia News Service