GCC-China summits reflect GCC’s resolve to enhance ties: Bahrain King

“We stress our firm support towards One-China policy and appreciate the supportive positions of Beijing to preserve our security and stability,” HM King told Xi.

In this regard, HM King affirmed the importance of strengthening collective action for a more just and cohesive world order and protecting and respecting the sovereignty of states and called on world leaders to adopt diplomatic solutions to end differences and revive opportunities for peace.

HM King’s address also delved deeper into the security, political and economic challenges that affect the region and their repercussion on nations. The only way out, HM King said, is strengthening GCC cooperation and accelerating free trade negotiations to ensure trade movements and fair competition to ensure the availability of basic commodities in markets.

His Majesty King Hamad also called on to work towards implementing the recommendations of the Arab-China Cooperation Forum and encourage joint investment in developing infrastructure.

Besides participating in the inaugural session of the 43rd Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, HM King took part in the Riyadh GCC-China Summit for Cooperation and Development and deputised HRH Prince Salman to participate in the Riyadh Arab-China Summit for Cooperation and Development.

These three summits, HM had said, reflect the keenness of the GCC countries, the brotherly Arab countries, and China to intensify joint cooperation and coordination in various fields for the benefit and good of our countries and the world as a whole.

Earlier, addressing the 43rd session of the Supreme Council of GCC, HM stressed the importance of unity between GCC member states, terming it a “bulwark of stability and catalyst of growth and Development.”

HM King also reminded the meeting that only through joint efforts we could spare the region from the repercussions of regional and international conflicts and crises.

“The economic and social effects of these conflicts and crises are threatening our achievements and delaying our progress towards further gains,” HM King warned. The summits, under the chairmanship of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was in the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and GCC leaders.

Kuwait’s crown prince, the king of Jordan, the Emir of Qatar and presidents of Egypt, Tunisia, Djibouti, Somalia and Mauritania are among the rulers attending these summits with Xi alongside leaders and prime ministers of Iraq, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan and Lebanon.

Ahead of the summits, Xi also held bilateral talks with Kuwait Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Sabah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Iraqi Prime Minister Shia al-Sudani, Sudanese leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

HM King said Saudi is exerting great efforts to unify visions and stances and boost relations and partnerships to confront all risks and challenges. King Hamad also underscored the significance of implementing all resolutions of the GCC Supreme Council and Al-Ula Summit communique.

His Majesty called to continue coordinating the GCC stances in international gatherings and commended the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques for hosting the three summits. Earlier yesterday, upon arrival in Saudi, HM King was received by Riyadh Governor Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Riyadh Deputy Governor, the GCC Secretary-General, the ambassadors of both countries, Bahrain Embassy diplomatic staff and other senior officials.