Sakhir Declaration

Manama : The ‘Sakhir Declaration’ by the head of the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations yesterday urged Iran, in the strongest terms, to change its policies in the region and stop interfering in the internal affairs of GCC states. 

The declaration which underlines the main resolutions and recommendations of the summit was adopted during the 37th GCC Summit held in Sakhir Palace. The two-day summit was presided over by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. The declaration was read by GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani.

The Sakhir Declaration demands Iran to end its ongoing ‘occupation’ of the three Emirati islands in the Arabian Gulf. It also condemned Iran for politicising and exploiting the holy rite of Hajj.

Unification of defence and security was also highlighted in the declaration, which stressed on the importance of achieving more integration and cooperation to develop the GCC defence and security systems, as well as enhancing the ability to deter any aggression or prejudice aimed at the sovereignty of GCC countries.

Common Gulf Market

The GCC leaders also called for accelerating efforts to establish a common Gulf market and the promotion of the region as a global financial, economic and investment hub. This was announced during a press conference by Foreign Affairs Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa and Dr. Al Zayani to explain the outcomes of the summit. 

Shaikh Khalid reaffirmed that “there are no intentions to discredit Iran”, adding that “our stances are to stop the Iranian offences against the sovereignty of GCC states and undermining the principle of good neighbourliness”.

“If Iran wants to convince the world that it’s serious about its nuclear programme, it should show the same efforts to convince us that it represents an important and open neighbour that’s looking forward to build relations with us. Their abuses to us should be ceased,” Shaikh Khalid stressed.