GCC Leaders Conclude 46th Summit With Focus On Enhanced Cooperation And Regional Stability

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders wrapped up their 46th Summit with a commitment to enhance unity and address new challenges. The 'Sakhir Declaration' was issued at the end of the summit in Bahrain, highlighting the deep bonds among GCC states based on shared faith, lineage, language, and destiny. This declaration reflects the founding goals of the Council established in 1981.

The GCC leaders are determined to strengthen ties among member states across political, security, economic, and social areas. They aim for unity that benefits their collective interests and supports regional and global peace and prosperity. The leaders expressed satisfaction with achievements in joint GCC actions, including defence integration and sustainable development projects.

Respecting sovereignty is crucial for GCC states. Leaders reject interference in internal affairs and oppose force or threats. They view any violation of a member state's sovereignty as a direct threat to collective security. The leaders support peaceful resolutions for regional conflicts, welcoming outcomes from the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit.

The GCC leaders back efforts to end the Gaza Strip conflict through peaceful means. They advocate for humanitarian aid delivery, reconstruction efforts, and establishing an independent Palestinian state based on June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. This aligns with the two-state solution and international agreements.

Advancing economic development remains a priority for GCC leaders. They stress completing the GCC Common Market and Customs Union requirements while boosting trade, tourism, and strategic investments in infrastructure sectors like energy and transport. Digital infrastructure integration is also emphasised to facilitate e-commerce.

The leaders highlight economic diversification pathways focusing on innovation and sustainability for long-term prosperity. Cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital transformation expertise exchange is encouraged within a joint GCC strategy to ensure secure digital environments.

Environmental Responsibility

Environmental responsibility is affirmed by the leaders who encourage sustainable initiatives addressing climate change challenges. Reducing carbon emissions through clean energy projects aligns with global goals for net-zero emissions. Preserving natural resources is part of this commitment.

The leaders also focus on enhancing international cooperation to safeguard regional security by deepening partnerships with friendly countries and organisations. Combating extremism, terrorism, hate speech, transnational crime are priorities alongside supporting joint naval forces in Bahrain for maritime security.

Strengthening International Partnerships

The summit highlighted Bahrain's role as a non-permanent United Nations Security Council member representing Arab interests for two years. Confidence was expressed in Bahrain's ability to promote dialogue for dispute resolution while upholding values of tolerance and coexistence.

During discussions with Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both sides agreed on a joint action plan elevating relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership reflecting openness towards building broad partnerships with friendly nations.

At the meeting's conclusion, GCC leaders stressed developing institutional cooperation mechanisms to expand solidarity horizons ensuring sustainable security within a stable region contributing towards building a just world.

With inputs from WAM