Call for unity and prosperity

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.

The communique of the 46th session of the GCC Supreme Council, held in Manama, affirmed the profound historical and fraternal bonds that unite the member states and their peoples, forged by a common heritage of religion, ancestry, language and destiny.

The communique emphasised the critical need to reinforce these deep-rooted ties and advance integration among member states. This commitment is driven by unwavering belief in the Council’s noble objectives, a continuation of the visionary path set by the founding leaders, and a dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of GCC citizens for enhanced stability, security, progress and prosperity. The leaders resolved to intensify coordination and integration across all political, security, economic and social spheres, ultimately striving towards greater unity to serve shared fraternal interests and bolster security, peace and prosperity regionally and globally.

JOINT ACTION

The leaders expressed deep satisfaction with the tangible achievements of joint Gulf action, realised under a cohesive defence and security framework, through prudent and balanced diplomacy, and via sustainable developmental and economic initiatives. These accomplishments reflect the Council’s political cohesion and its unified vision, objectives, and stances on diverse regional and international matters.

The communique strongly affirmed the principle of respecting the sovereignty of GCC states and all regional nations, coupled with a rejection of any interference in their internal affairs or the use or threat of force. It declared that the security and stability of the GCC is indivisible, and any violation of a member’s sovereignty constitutes a direct threat to their collective security.

GAZA PEACE

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East through peaceful conflict resolution, the GCC leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Sharm el Sheikh Peace Summit. They voiced support for all regional and international endeavours to ensure full adherence to the agreement ending hostilities in Gaza, to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and reconstruction and to advance efforts leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al Quds Al Sharqiyah) as its capital. This aligns with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and pertinent international resolutions, thereby fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and the region for a life of security and peace. 

COMMON MARKET The communique outlined a forward-looking agenda for economic advancement. The leaders stressed the importance of finalising the GCC Common Market and Customs Union, boosting trade and tourism, and channelling investment into strategic sectors — especially infrastructure, transport, energy, communications, water and food security. Accelerating digital infrastructure integration, fostering e-commerce, and developing joint digital payment and cloud service systems were highlighted as key to achieving full economic citizenship and sustainable, inclusive development. The leaders pledged to persist with economic diversification, championing an innovation-driven and sustainable economy to secure lasting prosperity. They underscored the necessity of a unified Gulf strategy to enhance cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. This aims to promote knowledge integration, share digital transformation expertise, combat cybercrime, ensure a secure digital environment, and empower youth and women in the development process. The vital role of think tanks in future foresight and policy formulation was also acknowledged. CLIMATE CHANGE Renewing their environmental commitment, the GCC leaders pledged to address climate change, cut carbon emissions, promote clean energy and preserve natural resources, in harmony with Gulf and global Net-Zero and sustainable development goals. The communique called for stronger international collaboration to safeguard regional security, deepen partnerships with allies and international bodies, and combat extremism, terrorism, and transnational crime. Support was reaffirmed for the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain to protect energy security and maritime trade. The GCC leaders also advocated for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and for curbing arms races to enhance regional stability. The GCC leaders extended full support to the Kingdom of Bahrain in its upcoming role representing the Arab Group as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, expressing confidence in its ability to advance Gulf and Arab interests and its role as a proactive partner for international peace and dialogue. Appreciation was also extended to Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, for her participation in summit discussions. Both sides agreed to develop a joint action plan to elevate their historical friendship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting the GCC’s openness to building substantive alliances. In closing, Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC leaders, committed to developing institutional frameworks that broaden fraternal solidarity and strategic integration. This is to ensure the enduring security and prosperity of their nations and peoples within a stable region and to contribute to a more just and prosperous world, reaffirming their unwavering dedication to this shared future. — ONAtttttt