The leaders taking part in the Jeddah Security and Development Summit stressed on Saturday their joint vision for a peaceful and prosperous Middle East.
They stressed the need to take all necessary measures to preserve the security and stability of the Middle East, develop means of cooperation and integration between its countries, jointly confront challenges and commit to principles of good neighborliness, mutual respect, sovereignty of others and regional security.
The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GGC) countries, US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi attended the landmark summit at the invitation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
In a joint statement, they said: “The leaders noted the previous US-GCC Summits held on May 14, 2015 in Camp David, and on April 21, 2016 and May 21, 2017 in Riyadh. The leaders reaffirmed the strategic importance of the historic ties between their countries, and their shared commitment to build upon the achievements of previous summits to strengthen cooperation, coordination, and consultation in all fields.”
“The leaders stressed their commitment to joint cooperation to bolster global economic recovery efforts, address the economic repercussions caused by the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, ensure the resiliency of supply chains and the security of food and energy supplies, develop clean energy sources and technologies, and assist countries in need by helping address their humanitarian and relief needs,” it added.
“In this context, the United States welcomed the decision by the Arab Coordination Group (ACG), which includes ten Arab and national specialized financial developmental institutions, to provide a minimum of $10 billion USD in response to food security challenges regionally and internationally, in line with the objectives of the US-led Roadmap for Global Food Security — Call to Action.”
The leaders also welcomed the United States’ announcement of $1 billion in new acute humanitarian and near to long term food security assistance for the Middle East and North Africa region.
“The leaders recognized ongoing efforts of OPEC+ towards stabilizing the global oil market in the interests of consumers, producers, and supporting economic growth. They welcomed the recent announcement by OPEC+ members to increase supply over the course of July and August, and commended Saudi Arabia’s leading role in achieving consensus between the members of OPEC+.”
“Biden welcomed the announcement that some GCC partners plan to invest a total of $3 billion in projects that align with US Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) goals to invest in critical infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries, including through investing in projects that advance climate and energy security and digital connectivity, and that strengthen and diversity global supply chains,” read the statement.
“Biden expressed appreciation for the GCC countries’ pledge to provide $100 million for the East Jerusalem Hospital Network, which provides life-saving healthcare to Palestinians in the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem.”
“The leaders underlined their joint commitment to preserve regional security and stability, support diplomacy with the aim of regional de-escalation, deepen their region-wide defense, security, and intelligence cooperation, and ensure the freedom and security of waterways.”
“The leaders of the GCC member states welcomed President Biden’s affirmation of the United States’ commitment to its strategic partnership with GCC member states, and that it stands ready to work jointly with its partners in the GCC to deter and confront all external threats to their security, as well as against threats to vital waterways, especially the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab Al-Mandab,” said the statement.
"The leaders affirmed their support for ensuring that the Arab Gulf region is free from all weapons of mass destruction, underscoring the centrality of diplomatic efforts to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, and for confronting terrorism and all activities that threatens security and stability.”
“The leaders commended the ongoing cooperation between the GCC member states and the United States to promote the security and stability of the region and its waterways. They affirmed their commitment to cooperate and coordinate between their countries to enhance their defense and joint deterrence capabilities against the increasing threat posed by the proliferation of unmanned aerial systems and cruise missiles, as well as against the arming of terrorist militias and armed groups, including in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.”
“The leaders discussed various ways to enhance their joint cooperation aimed at strengthening deterrence and the defense capabilities of GCC member states, as well as enhanced integration and interoperability in their air and missile defenses and maritime security capabilities, and early warning systems and information sharing.”
“The leaders welcomed the establishment of Combined Task Force 153 and Task Force 59, which will enhance joint defense coordination between the GCC member states and the US Central Command to better monitor maritime threats and improve naval defenses by utilizing the latest technologies and systems.”
The leaders stressed their keenness to continue to hold the US-GCC Summit annually.
