GCC Summit calls for unity and prosperity

MANAMA: His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik participated in the 46th GCC Summit, which was held at Sakhir Palace in Manama, the Kingdom of Bahrain, on Wednesday.
Upon His Majesty the Sultan’s arrival at Sakhir Palace, King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain was at the forefront to receive His Majesty, welcoming him as an esteemed guest.
At the outset of the summit, verses from the Holy Quran were recited. Then, King Hamad bin Issa al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain delivered the opening speech, in which he affirmed the continuation of the distinguished journey of joint Gulf action, a journey that derives its strength from the bonds of brotherhood and kinship, and is armed with unity of purpose and destiny.
He added that upon reflecting on the journey of this towering Gulf edifice, initiated by the founding fathers with all sincerity and love, we become certain of the correctness of its approaches towards the necessities of integration and unity, in line with its strategic weight. It demonstrates its position as an active and influential force in regional and international politics, he said.
He clarified that achieving these gains would not have been possible without the shared vision and unified policies that made it a priority to establish Gulf security, preserve national sovereignty, respect the principles of good neighbourliness, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states.
He underlined the continuation of addressing regional issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, based on dialogue and political and diplomatic options that enhance stability and open wider horizons for the region's security and its sustainable development.
For his part, Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmed Al Jaber al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait, said, 'The GCC, through the awareness and solidarity of its peoples, overcomes complex regional and international circumstances and significant challenges, and achieves stability through collective security and a common destiny. It confirms to generations that unity and collaborative efforts are two paths to overcoming challenges towards peace.' He added that the GCC possesses active political and economic strength in the regional and international arenas.

On his turn, Jassim Mohammed al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, delivered a speech at the 46th summit in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He stated: 'This year witnessed two painful incidents affecting the State of Qatar, which demonstrated to the entire world that the Gulf destiny is one, Gulf security is one. Two incidents that proved what unites our states is not only proximity, but rather a shared decision, home and protection. And that no matter how severe the crisis, it will neither weaken our resolve nor loosen the ties of our unity.' He added that the stances of the GCC states towards the Palestinian cause will remain as steadfast and firm as values, unwavering and unchanging. The GCC states, he said, continue to emphasise the centrality of this issue, the necessity of ending the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
During the summit, a commemorative photograph was taken, gathering the GCC leaders and their representatives.
Meanwhile, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik participated in the GCC-Italian Summit in Manama, in the presence of the GCC leaders and their representatives, as well as Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic.
In her speech, the Italian Prime Minister confirmed that relations between the GCC states and European countries are going through an advanced phase of constructive cooperation.
During the summit, His Majesty the Sultan was accompanied by HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs, Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal al Busaidy, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court, Gen Sultan bin Mohammed al Numani, Minister of the Royal Office, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, Sultan bin Salim al Habsi, Minister of Finance, DDr Hamed bin Said al Aufi, Head of Private Office of His Majesty the Sultan, and Sayyid Faisal bin Harib al Busaidy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Bahrain. - ONA