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Gulf Summit to Kick off in Kuwait amid Internal Challenges

A general view of the meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of foreign ministers at the Bayan palace in Kuwait City on December 4, 2017. (SPA)
A general view of the meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of foreign ministers at the Bayan palace in Kuwait City on December 4, 2017. (SPA)
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TT

Gulf Summit to Kick off in Kuwait amid Internal Challenges

A general view of the meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of foreign ministers at the Bayan palace in Kuwait City on December 4, 2017. (SPA)
A general view of the meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) of foreign ministers at the Bayan palace in Kuwait City on December 4, 2017. (SPA)

Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council are expected to meet on Tuesday at the 38th GCC Summit in Kuwait, in the most critical stages the council has ever experienced.

One of the major challenges facing the GCC countries is the current dispute with Qatar, which threatens to impact the unity of the Council. They are also confronted with the challenge of formulating a common vision to deal with regional conflicts, in particular the confrontation with Iran and the fragile situation in Yemen.

On the eve of the summit, news broke out about the death of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who had abandoned his alliance with Houthi militias and led an uprising against their dominance of the capital Sana’a. The new development would add a new burden that would require a unified Gulf strategy.

The leaders of the six Gulf countries are expected to arrive in Kuwait on Tuesday, while the foreign ministers met on Monday for the first time following the eruption of the Qatari crisis in June.

The ministers did not issue any statements at the end of the meeting because it was limited to preparing for the two-day summit that kicks off on Tuesday.

According to an informal schedule of meetings, GCC leaders are due to arrive at noon on Tuesday, with the summit opening at 5:30 pm Kuwait time.

Participants in Monday’s session included - in addition to the foreign ministers of Kuwait and Qatar - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Yousuf bin Alawi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash and Bahrain’s Assistant Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Faisal Al Dosari.

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al Sabah said during an opening speech on Monday that the GCC was a “constant project” that seeks to establish strong Gulf bonds in order to preserve independence and development.

He underlined the importance of GCC meetings in maintaining cooperation between the member states for the interest of the people and to confront the dangers threatening the security and stability of the region.

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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
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Iranian Official to Asharq Al-Awsat: Committed to Peace and Stability with Saudi Arabia

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi (Reuters)

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht Ravanchi reaffirmed Iran and Saudi Arabia’s mutual determination to establish lasting peace and stability in the region.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat during his visit to Riyadh, Ravanchi emphasized that achieving this goal requires sustained bilateral and regional cooperation to address current threats and build a foundation for prosperity and security.
During his meetings with the Saudi Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed ElKhereiji, Ravanchi discussed strengthening bilateral relations in political, economic, and consular fields, and explored key regional and international issues.
He described Saudi-Iranian efforts as a “successful model of bilateral and multilateral cooperation,” aimed at fostering peace, security, and development on both regional and international levels. Ravanchi underscored the importance of historical ties and the principle of good neighborliness as the basis for advancing this relationship.
Following the second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian trilateral committee in Riyadh, both Saudi Arabia and Iran reiterated their full commitment to implementing the Beijing Agreement, according to a statement by the Saudi foreign ministry. The accord, mediated by China, aims to restore diplomatic ties and promote mutual respect for sovereignty and security in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and international law.
China praised the progress achieved since the agreement’s signing, including the reopening of embassies and increased bilateral engagement. It pledged to continue supporting Saudi-Iranian efforts to deepen their cooperation and maintain regional stability.
Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations and was a member of the Iranian nuclear negotiating team with the P5+1, described the atmosphere of the meetings as “cordial and transparent.” He added that the three nations exchanged views on topics of mutual interest and stressed the importance of continuing this “positive and forward-looking process.” He also revealed “constructive and friendly” meetings held by the Iranian delegation with their Saudi hosts and Chinese counterparts, during which they discussed enhancing bilateral and trilateral cooperation and reviewed developments in relations over the past year.
One significant development has been the improvement in consular services. Over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims performed Hajj, and more than 52,000 completed Umrah in the past year, demonstrating enhanced coordination. Additionally, the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of an MoU between Saudi Arabia’s Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies further strengthened institutional ties.
The trilateral meeting also tackled pressing regional challenges, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The participants condemned Israel’s aggression in Palestine, Lebanon, and Iran, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the continuation of humanitarian aid to affected regions. They warned that ongoing violence poses significant risks to regional and global security, including threats to maritime safety.
On Yemen, the parties reiterated their support for a comprehensive political solution under United Nations auspices. They emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to achieve lasting peace in the war-torn country.
Saudi-Iranian relations have undergone a remarkable transformation since the signing of the Beijing Agreement. The reopening of embassies, including Iran’s embassy in Riyadh in June after a seven-year hiatus, marked a turning point in their ties.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Consular Affairs Alireza Bigdeli described the day as a “historic milestone” in Saudi-Iranian relations. He expressed confidence that the renewed relationship would reach its peak, emphasizing that the restoration of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia opens a new chapter in bilateral and regional relations, aimed at greater cooperation and stability.