Bahrain Premier: GCC is One Family with Saudi Arabia its Pivot

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with GCC Ambassadors (BNA)
Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with GCC Ambassadors (BNA)
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Bahrain Premier: GCC is One Family with Saudi Arabia its Pivot

Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with GCC Ambassadors (BNA)
Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa with GCC Ambassadors (BNA)

Bahraini Premier Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa received at Gudaibiya Palace ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, headed by Dean of Diplomatic Corps Kuwaiti Ambassador Sheikh Azam al-Sabah.

During the meeting, the prime minister stressed that GCC countries constitute of one family, unified in its positions, based on cooperation and seeking welfare, with its pivot, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Prince Khalifa said the welfare of GCC countries is from the welfare of Saudi Arabia, and whoever wants otherwise for the kingdom, he wants that for all of us, as "our security and stability emanate from the security and stability of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

He praised the great efforts of the Kingdom and sacrifices it has made to ward off dangers and deter plots targeting the region.

Hadn’t it been for these Saudi efforts and sacrifices, he concluded, the countries of the region were to plunge into a situation that does not please anyone.

The PM also commended the role of Saudi Arabia in promoting goodness, stressing that its security and stability is integral to the security and stability of the GCC countries.

The Premier underlined the special, strong and unique relations between the GCC leaders and their peoples, describing it as the secret of stability of their countries in a region full of conflicts. He urged the ambassadors to continue working on further cementing relations with Bahrain and the other GCC countries.

He also pointed out the importance of the GCC march for the Arab countries as it embodies keenness on unity and solidarity. He urged to preserve the GCC march and maintain cooperation to overcome all challenges.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed with the ambassadors regional and international issues, stressing the need to boost cooperation and coordination against threats, including mainly terrorism and its sources.



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.