Riyadh: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attended the opening session of the 42nd summit of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Premier, and Defence Minister His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud chaired the inaugural session and delivered a speech at Al Diriyah Palace in the City of Riyadh.
HM, the King also delivered a speech wishing the current session, chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, success and commended the results of the Saudi Crown Prince’s visits to the GCC countries, which paved the way for the summit and reflected the Saudi-led role in achieving rapprochement to overcome challenges and find solutions that meet the requirements of the current phase towards further progress, prosperity, strength, and stability for the Gulf countries.
HM, the King stressed Bahrain’s keenness, as chair of the 41st session, to follow up on the implementation of the joint action agenda, which yielded important steps that serve the interest of the council and contributed to enhancing its standing.
He underscored the importance of the Al Ula Declaration, which stipulated the implementation of the vision outlined by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud through a well-defined timeline and keen follow-up of bilateral work between GCC states to settle all stalled issues.
He underlined the need to complete the requirements of the economic unity, joint development programs, and the defense and security systems, in addition to coordinating stances to strengthen the GCC states’ solidarity, stability, and unity, towards bolstering their regional role in cooperation with the international community, regional and international organizations.
HM, the King commended the GCC General Secretariat and its work team, led by Secretary-General Dr. Nayef bin Falah bin Mubarak Al Hajraf, hailing their efforts to enhance the council’s work as well as their tangible contributions to the organization of this summit, hoping more unity would be achieved.
GCC General Secretariat also delivered a speech at the opening session.
HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud then declared the opening session over, for the closed meeting to commence.
