Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries convened in Al Sakhir, Bahrain, on Wednesday to underscore the “solid bonds and integration among the members.”
“The leaders underlined their determination to continue advancing coordination and integration among the GCC states across all political, security, economic and social fields, towards the aspired unity that serves their shared fraternal interests and contributes to establishing the foundations of security, peace and prosperity in the region and the world,” said a statement.
“The leaders expressed satisfaction with the achievements made in the course of joint GCC action, including integration milestones realized under a cohesive defense and security system, balanced and prudent diplomatic positions, and sustainable development and economic projects,” it added.
“These achievements reflect the Council’s political cohesion and alignment in vision, objectives and positions on regional and international issues. They also stressed the importance of continuing efforts at an accelerated pace to achieve further gains for the GCC states and their peoples.”
Regional affairs
They underscored respect for the sovereignty of GCC states and all countries of the region, non-interference in their internal affairs, and rejecting the use of force or threats. They stressed that the security and stability of GCC states “are indivisible, and that any infringement upon the sovereignty of a member state constitutes a direct threat to their collective security.”
The leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit, held in October, and underlined their support for regional and international efforts aimed at ensuring full adherence to the agreement to end the war in Gaza, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and reconstruction.
They expressed full support to “advancing efforts to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967, borders with East Jerusalem as its capital in line with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and international resolutions, in a manner that fulfills the aspirations of the Palestinian people and all peoples of the region to live in security and peace.”
Economic affairs
The leaders stressed the importance of completing the requirements of the GCC Common Market and the Customs Union, enhancing trade and tourism, and encouraging investment in strategic projects, particularly in infrastructure, transport, energy, communications, water, and food.
They emphasized boosting digital infrastructure integration, facilitating e-commerce, and supporting the development of shared systems for digital payments and cloud services, contributing to full economic citizenship and comprehensive, sustainable development.
The leaders underscored the significance of continuing economic diversification pathways and strengthening innovation and sustainability-based economies to ensure long-term prosperity for GCC states and their peoples.
They stressed the importance of bolstering cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity within the framework of a joint GCC strategy that strengthens knowledge integration, supports the exchange of expertise in digital transformation, combats cybercrime, ensures a secure digital environment for societies, and promotes the effective participation of youth and women in the development process, while emphasizing the role of think tanks and research centers in anticipating the future and formulating public policies that support sustainable development.
Int’l cooperation
The leaders highlighted the importance of strengthening international cooperation to safeguard regional security, deepening political, security, and economic partnerships with friendly countries, international organizations, and economic blocs.
They stressed the need to deepen collaboration in areas of sustainable development, combating extremism and terrorism in all its forms, countering hate speech and incitement, tackling transnational organized crime, and supporting the efforts of joint naval forces headquartered in Bahrain to enhance energy security, protect maritime navigation, and safeguard international trade.
The leaders further stressed working towards making the Middle East a region free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction, and averting arms races, to reinforce regional security and stability.
The leaders expressed their appreciation for the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in bilateral discussions in Bahrain, which focused on strengthening the deep-rooted historical relations. They agreed to establish a joint action plan to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at boosting their shared interests, reflecting the GCC states’ openness to building broad partnerships with friendly nations.
The leaders of the GCC states underscored “the need to develop institutional cooperation mechanisms to expand horizons of fraternal solidarity and strategic integration to achieve sustainable security and prosperity for the GCC states and their peoples, within a safe and stable region, and to contribute to building a world that is more just and prosperous.”
