Riyadh Gears up to Host 40th GCC Summit on Tuesday

Saudi Arabia gears up to host the GCC summit on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia gears up to host the GCC summit on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Riyadh Gears up to Host 40th GCC Summit on Tuesday

Saudi Arabia gears up to host the GCC summit on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia gears up to host the GCC summit on Tuesday. (SPA)

Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz will chair in Riyadh on Tuesday the 40th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit.

Riyadh has previously hosted the GCC summit on eight occasions.

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani said the Kingdom’s hosting of the meeting reflects its leadership’s keenness on the council, which has proven its ability to overcome challenges and achieve its higher goals.

He hailed King Salman’s leadership and his dedicated efforts to bolster the GCC out of his belief in the strength of fraternal relations among the bloc’s member states.

In remarks to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), he congratulated Saudi Arabia for assuming the presidency of the G20, saying this reflects the Kingdom’s high economic standing in the world and its constructive role in backing developing countries and regional issues.

He hoped the GCC summit will achieve the aspirations of the Gulf people in achieving greater cooperation between their countries.

The agenda is full of issues that aim to boost joint Gulf work in various political, economic, defense, security and legal fields. The Gulf leaders are also expected to tackle key regional and international affairs.



Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
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Australian Deputy PM Stresses Importance of Partnership with Saudi Arabia

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles attends the annual Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) meeting at Lancaster House in London, Britain, 16 December 2024. EPA

Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defense Richard Marles stressed the strong relations between Saudi Arabia and Australia, noting that the Kingdom stands as Australia's second-largest trading partner in the Middle East.

In a statement issued by his office, Marles indicated that his visit to the Kingdom and the UAE seeks to enhance collaborative efforts within the G20 and other multilateral institutions and aims to emphasize the unwavering commitment to a rules-based international order.

The statement further emphasized that the Kingdom is a crucial partner for Australia and that the visit presents an opportunity to broaden economic ties and explore avenues for deeper cooperation with regional leaders.

Marles said that this visit underscores Australia's commitment to fortifying economic and diplomatic ties with the Kingdom, recognizing its crucial role as a partner in addressing shared global challenges.

Marles met with Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz in Riyadh on Wednesday.