Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan announced on Tuesday that the AlUla declaration turns the page on the past and opens a new chapter for the Gulf in order to achieve the stability and security of the region and its people.
The AlUla declaration was signed at the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit that was hosted by Saudi Arabia earlier on Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, chaired the summit on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
“Today’s Summit ends the diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar,” Prince Faisal said at a press conference with GCC Secretary General Dr. Nayef al-Hajraf at the end of the summit.
“Today’s summit ends the points of contention with Qatar,” stressed the minister.
“We will work together to confront the challenges facing the region,” he vowed. “The AlUla summit will impact the stability of the region”
“On Iran, it is important for the countries of the region to have a united stance on its nuclear program and malign meddling and behavior,” he stressed.
“The statements we have heard from the Biden administration assure us that it is aware of Iran’s threat,” said Prince Faisal. “It is essential for the Arab voice to be heard.”
“The political determination of the Gulf leaders is a major guarantee for implementing the AlUla agreement,” he added. “We are very optimistic that today’s agreement will positively impact the Gulf region and Arab world.”
The summit, continued the FM, was significant because it prioritized the higher national interests of the GCC and Arab national security.
“It is therefore, sending a message to the entire world that no matter the disputes within the same house, the wisdom of its leaders is capable of overcoming everything and guiding the region, its countries and people to safety,” he stressed.
The members of the council underscored their solidarity and need to refrain from infringing on the security and sovereignty of any of their countries and the social fabric and security of their people, he continued.
For his part, al-Hajraf stressed that the Gulf countries often overcome all challenges with determination and strength.
The 41st GCC summit has paved the way for a new era of joint Gulf work, represented in the reconciliation, he told the press.
“As people of the Gulf, we look to the future with all the hopes, aspirations and opportunities it holds to establishing a cohesive Gulf entity that can serve its nations and peoples and push forward development, security and stability,” he remarked.