Kuwait Announces Completion of Gulf Summit Arrangements

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. (Photo: Getty Images)
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. (Photo: Getty Images)
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Kuwait Announces Completion of Gulf Summit Arrangements

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. (Photo: Getty Images)
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah. (Photo: Getty Images)

Kuwait has completed preparations for hosting the 38th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, which is scheduled to take place on December 5 and 6, after overcoming several obstacles in light of the current Gulf crisis.

Amid an optimistic atmosphere, Kuwait is moving forward to receive Gulf leaders on Tuesday while ministerial committees are expected to start their meetings in preparation for the summit, which is the sixth in Kuwait since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council on May 25, 1981.

Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah received First Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah al-Khalid al-Sabah and GCC Secretary-General Abdul Latif al-Zayani, who gave the Emir details about the summit preparations.

Sheikh Sabah visited al-Tahrir Hall at Bayan Palace on Sunday to check on preparations for the 38th Session of the Supreme Council of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) accompanied by Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah.

For his part, Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah said on Sunday that his country has completed preparations for hosting the 38th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit.\

During his attendance of the UAE’s 46th National Day celebrations at the country’s embassy in Kuwait, he said: “Kuwait will welcome GCC leaders on Tuesday and Wednesday.”

A ministerial meeting is due to kick off on Monday ahead of the summit, added Sheikh Sabah Al Khalid, who hoped the talks would support the continuation of the bloc’s welcomed accomplishments.

In this context, Qatar´s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani will attend the summit in Kuwait, Doha´s Foreign Minister said announced on Sunday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar´s leader had accepted the invitation to attend amid the region´s worst political crisis in years.

“I will attend the ministerial council on Monday and the Emir will attend the summit,” said the Qatari FM.

Kuwaiti sources did not comment on the mechanism adopted by the summit regarding the Qatar crisis, especially that three Gulf countries have cut off diplomatic relations with Doha on the eve of the crisis in June, accusing it of supporting terrorism and destabilizing the region.

Kuwait hopes that the summit will maintain the representation of Gulf leaders and overcome current crisis between Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain on one hand and Qatar on the other hand.



EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
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EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.