His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik took part in the 46th Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council GCC Supreme Council at Sakhir Palace in Manama.

Upon His Majesty the Sultan’s arrival at Sakhir Palace, King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain was at the forefront to receive His Majesty, welcoming him as an esteemed guest.

At the outset of the summit, verses from the Holy Quran were recited. Then, King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain delivered the opening speech, in which he affirmed the continuation of the distinguished journey of joint Gulf action, a journey, he added, that derives its strength from the bonds of brotherhood and kinship, and is armed with unity of purpose and destiny.

He said that upon reflecting on the journey of this towering Gulf edifice, initiated by the founding fathers with all sincerity and love, we become certain of the correctness of its approach towards the necessities of integration and unity, in line with its strategic weight. It demonstrates its position as an active and influential force in regional and international politics, he added.

He said that achieving these gains would not have been possible without the shared vision and unified policies that made it a priority to establish Gulf security, preserve national sovereignty, respect the principles of good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. This, he affirmed, stems from a golden rule that the security, stability, and prosperity of the GCC states are an indivisible whole.

He underlined the continuation of addressing regional issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, based on dialogue and political and diplomatic options that enhance stability and open wider horizons for the region’s security and its sustainable development.

Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of the State of Kuwait said, “The GCC, through the awareness and solidarity of its peoples, overcomes complex regional and international circumstances and significant challenges, and achieves stability through collective security and a common destiny. It confirms to generations that unity and collaborative efforts are two paths to overcoming challenges towards peace.” He added that the GCC possesses active political and economic strength on the regional and international arenas.

Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary General, delivered a speech at the summit stating: “This year witnessed two painful incidents affecting the State of Qatar, which demonstrated to the entire world that the Gulf destiny is one, Gulf security is one, and that a united word stands strong, while a divided one weakens. Two incidents that proved that what unites our states is not only proximity, but also a shared decision, home, and protection. No matter how severe the crisis, it will neither weaken our resolve nor loosen the ties of our unity.”

He added that the stances of the GCC states towards the Palestinian cause will remain as steadfast and firm as unwavering and unchanging values. The GCC states, he said, continue to emphasise the centrality of this issue, the necessity of ending the occupation, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

During the summit, a commemorative photograph was taken, gathering the leaders of the GCC States and representatives.

His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik also participated in a GCC-Italian Summit in Manama, in the presence of the GCC Leaders and their representatives, and Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of the Italian Republic.

In her speech, the Italian Prime Minister confirmed that relations between the GCC states and European countries are enjoying an advanced phase of constructive cooperation.

During the summit, His Majesty was accompanied by His Highness Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs; Sayyid Khalid bin Hilal Albusaidi, Minister of the Diwan of Royal Court; Lieutenant General Sultan bin Mohammed Al Nomani, Minister of the Royal Office; Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister, Sultan bin Salim Al Habsi, Minister of Finance; Dr Hamad bin Said Al Aufi, Head of the Private Office; and Sayyid Faisal Albusaidi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.