Rome, July 6 (QNA) - Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani met today with Jassim Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), who is currently visiting Italy. During the meeting, they discussed regional and international developments, foremost among them the developments in the Middle East region. Both sides emphasized the importance of enhancing dialogue and coordination and supporting efforts to consolidate security and stability. The meeting also reviewed relations between the GCC and Italy and ways to strengthen and develop them in various fields, serving the common interests of both sides and keeping pace with the progress in GCC-Italian relations. In this context, the Secretary-General affirmed the GCC's keenness to strengthen its relations with Italy, given its status as an important partner for the GCC states.