There is an utmost need for the GCC states to unite their efforts to advance the region and confront the challenges that surround it, particularly the threats posed by the Iranian regime's nuclear program, said His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, addressing the 41st GCC summit in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia.

 

Leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened for the summit today at Maraya Concert Hall in Al-Ula.

 

Upon their arrival at the hall, the leaders and heads of delegations were received by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defense of Saudi Arabia, said a Saudi Press Agency report.

 

On behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the session was chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

 

Saudi Arabia's official delegation includes Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Minister of State and Cabinet's Member Dr Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

 

HRH Prince Mohammed said: "We miss this year two great leaders who had a significant role in supporting the joint Gulf action -- Sultan Qaboos bin Said (of Oman) and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad (Kuwait). In recognition of their great efforts over decades in support of the GCC, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques has directed that this summit shall be named the Summit of Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah. We also wish all success for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in continuing the march of progress, growth, and prosperity in their countries and supporting our joint Gulf action."

 

He expressed thanks and appreciation for the efforts to bridge the gap in ties among GCC states, led by the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad and continued by Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad. "In this regard, we also hail endeavours of the United States of America and all parties that have contributed. These efforts led to reach 'Al-Ula Declaration' that will be signed at this summit which affirms the importance of the solidarity and stability in the Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries and strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among our countries and peoples in order to serve their aspirations," he said.

 

"Today, we are in utmost need to unite our efforts to advance our region and confront the challenges that surround us, particularly the threats posed by the Iranian regime's nuclear program, its ballistic missile program, its destructive sabotage projects as well as its terrorist and sectarian activities adopted by Iran and its proxies to destabilise the security and stability in the region. These actions put us in a position to call the international community to work seriously in order to stop these programs and projects that threaten regional and international peace and security," he said.

 

Saudi Arabia's firm and continuous policy, future plans, and ambitious development vision (the Kingdom Vision 2030) prioritises a unified and solid Gulf Cooperation Council, in addition to strengthening the Arab and Islamic cooperation in a way that serves the security, stability, and prosperity of our countries and the region, he added.

 

Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf expressed his sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to the Government and people of Saudi Arabia for the warm reception, hospitality, and excellent organization of this summit, praising the keenness of all participants to hold this meeting which will support joint GCC and Arab action, and achieve our peoples aspirations.

 

Sheikh Nawaf praised the historic achievement of signing the statement of Al-Ula, recalling the sincere role played by the late Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who contributed greatly to the success of this agreement.

 

Sheikh Nawaf concluded that naming the Declaration of Al-Ula as "The Solidarity Agreement" reflects our keenness on the cohesion and unity of the Arab nation.