Second sea link a boon

Manama  : The newly planned road link between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia will serve as an integral addition to GCC infrastructure, said Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister  HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa. 

Prince Salman also pointed out that the new private-sector financed King Hamad Causeway will provide a second road link that will attract regional and international companies.  

The Crown Prince was speaking during a plenary session held as part of the FIKR 15 Conference in Abu Dhabi. The conference titled “Arab Integration: The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)” was organised by the Arab Thought Foundation in partnership with the Arab League. 

During the session, Prince Salman addressed the priorities the GCC should focus in its next phase of development.

In this regard, the Crown Prince said that the continued development of GCC infrastructure  will boost productivity, support sustainable economic development and benefit future generations. “The GCC railway project, GCC Water Link Project, and renewable energy investments are among projects the region will benefit from,” he said. 

Stronger ambition 

“Stronger ambitions will drive us to achieve more,” Prince Salman stressed, while pointing out that further integration is needed to strengthen GCC’s ability to work as a unified bloc and build on its influence. 

“This ambition will be achieved if GCC nations work at an accelerated pace, particularly in light of global challenges,” the Crown Prince said.  Prince Salman also welcomed the vision of GCC leaders to coordinate the development of legislation and regulations that stimulate business activity and diversify economies.

Stressing on the importance of linking these efforts with practical steps, Prince Salman said, “GCC countries have the potential to become even more influential as an economic bloc.”

In this context, Prince Salman pointed out that even in light of the challenges faced in 2011, Bahrain was capable of continuing its positive economic growth.

“There has been an increase in average household income of Bahraini families by 47 per cent since 2008,” revealed Prince Salman. 

Further, Prince Salman stressed that the GCC should allow younger people to innovate, pursue entrepreneurship and other opportunities. “The long-term success of the GCC depends on the modern and comprehensive education for the young people,” he added. 

Defence Cooperation 

The time has come around to realise the establishment of a defensive cover in GCC against ballistic missiles threats, said Prince Salman during the plenary session. 

The Crown Prince said this while highlighting the crucial role played by the GCC’s joint defence system in ensuring regional security. 

In this regard, His Royal Highness pointed out that the establishment of GCC back in 1981 enabled the region to overcome numerous challenges.

Union a reality soon  

The GCC union should soon become a reality, stressed the Crown Prince, noting that approving the legislations developed is what left now.  On this note, Prince Salman further stressed the importance of protecting religion from those wishing to distort its tolerance and moderation for political gain or for extremist ideologies.  

While addressing the GCC-US ties, Prince Salman expressed his hope that the new Trump administration would work to build on current GCC-US strategic achievements.