United against threats

Manama : Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries must upgrade and activate defence and security pacts in order to confront threats of terrorism; protect Gulf nations and its people; and preserve achievements, said His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, stressing that security and development are interrelated.

He was speaking as the chair of the inaugural session of the 37th GCC Summit, which opened yesterday at the Al Sakhir Palace in the presence of distinguished guests. HM King welcomed the GCC leaders, stressing deep-rooted fraternal relations binding member states and peoples. 

“Our meeting convenes in the backdrop of unprecedented political and economic circumstances which affect all countries in the world,” King Hamad said, urging the highest level of cooperation. 

“This can help the GCC pursue its successful march and influential role in the international arena.” 

King Hamad also paid tribute to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, hailing the leader’s farsighted vision that contributed largely to elaborating the work orientations of the future.

HM  King also commended GCC Secretary-General Dr Adbullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, assistants and General-Secretariat staff for consolidating the council.

Highlights of HM King’s speech

Success of the GCC member states in confronting extremism and terrorism cherished

The Arab Security 1 drill is as an essential quantum leap towards strengthening security cooperation among the GCC countries

GCC Common Market, the power and water grid, the planned customs union and the modern telecommunications and transportation network projects appreciated

The Economic Development Commission’s role in bolstering member states and enhancing sustainable development stressed

GCC’s pivotal and active role in seeking political solutions and initiatives to the crisis facing countries emphasized.