The GCC will continue to build on its achievements with a shared vision and unified policies, His Majesty King Hamad has said.
He was chairing the 46th session of the GCC Summit at Sakhir Palace yesterday.
The GCC has been able, through dedicated work, to build a comprehensive development model that combines global competitiveness with security to ensure the highest levels of stability and prosperity, he said as he addressed the GCC leaders and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
GCC leaders present at the summit were Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman; the Amir of Kuwait Shaikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah; Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan; and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni attended as the summit’s Guest of Honour.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohammed Al Budaiwi delivered the Sakhir Declaration.
Delivering his address, His Majesty said: “On this occasion, we take pride in the progress made across areas of joint co-operation, particularly those associated with Gulf citizenship and economic unity.
“We look forward to completing the GCC customs union and the GCC common market, and to expanding our partnerships in food and water security, the digital economy, renewable energy, and other vital sectors.”
He also emphasised the importance of completing the implementation of the Gaza Peace Plan, describing it as a positive step towards de-escalation and creating conditions necessary for a just and lasting peace.
Prime Minister Meloni, in her address, described the GCC and Italy as ‘natural partners; and outlined her vision for greater ties, including maritime trade.
She proposed hosting a ‘GCC-MED’ Summit to create a new and ambitious format of dialogue between Gulf and Mediterranean nations.
His Majesty later hosted a banquet for the GCC leaders and the Italian Prime Minister, in the presence of HRH Prince Salman.
The King received cables of congratulations from HRH Prince Salman and Her Royal Highness Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty and Supreme Council for Women president, on the successful conclusion of the summit. He was also congratulated by Prime Minister’s Court Minister Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, ministers and officials.
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