His Majesty King Hamad calls for regional solidarity, stability and unity at GCC Summit

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has stressed the importance of strengthening the GCC states’ solidarity, stability and unity towards bolstering their regional role in cooperation with the international community, as well as regional and global organisations.

HM the King also underlined the need to complete the requirements of the economic unity, joint development programmes and defence and security systems.

He was speaking yesterday at the opening session of the 42nd Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Riyadh.

The inaugural session was chaired by Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who delivered a speech at Al Diriyah Palace.

Gulf leaders who took part in the event were HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, HM King Hamad, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Kuwait Crown Prince His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Qatar Amir Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said.

The summit is held annually to discuss progress in achieving coordination, integration and interdependence between the Gulf states in the economy, trade, education, and culture.

HM the King delivered a speech wishing the session success and commended the results of the Saudi Crown Prince’s visits to the GCC countries, which paved the way for the summit and reflected the Saudi-led role in achieving rapprochement to overcome challenges and find solutions that meet the requirements of the current phase towards further progress, prosperity, strength and stability for the Gulf countries.

His Majesty stressed Bahrain’s keenness, as chair of the 41st session, to follow up on the implementation of the joint action agenda, which yielded important steps that serve the interest of the council and contributed to enhancing its standing.

He underscored the importance of the Al Ula Declaration, which stipulated the implementation of the vision outlined by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud through a well-defined timeline and keen follow-up of bilateral work between GCC states to settle all stalled issues.

HM the King commended the GCC General Secretariat and its work team, led by Secretary-General Dr Nayef bin Falah bin Mubarak Al Hajraf, hailing their efforts to enhance the council’s work.

After the closing session, HM King Hamad attended the dinner banquet which was hosted by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al Diriyah Palace, in honour of the Gulf leaders.

His Majesty returned to Bahrain last night and was received by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and other well-wishers.