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Security, Development Top GCC Summit | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Kings and leader of the GCC countries kick off their 37th Summit/SPA


Manama- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud asserted on Tuesday that terrorism suffered by some Arab countries is an imperative result of the alliance of sectarianism and flagrant interference, leading to the states’ destabilization and breach of security.

Kings and leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries kicked off on Tuesday their 37th Summit in the Bahraini capital of Manama, under the chairmanship of Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Speaking during the Summit, the Saudi King said the current highly complicated circumstances in the Arab region as well as the crises it is facing are obvious to everyone. King Slaman bin Abdulaziz said those difficulties “require all of us to work together to confront and deal with them in a spirit of responsibility, determination and intense efforts in order to consolidate the foundations of security and stability of our region as well as development and prosperity for our countries and peoples.”

Concerning the situation in Yemen, the Saudi King said efforts are being exerted to end the struggle there in what could achieve security and stability under the leadership of the legitimate government and according to the GCC initiative, outcomes of the national dialogue and UN Security Council resolution 2216, and thanks to the endeavors offered by the U.N. special envoy to Yemen.

As for Syria, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques said: “We are all saddened to see what is happening there, including killings, displacement and suffering of the Syrian people, mounting pressure on the world community to intensify efforts to stop bloodshed and find a political solution guaranteeing the achievement of security and stability as well as preserving the unity and integrity of the Syrian territories.”

Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa also delivered a speech to announce the opening of the 37th GCC Summit. King Isa Al Khalifa said that in light of the unprecedented political and economic events facing the whole world, more cooperation and integration is needed among the GCC states.

“The Gulf council becomes an important platform seeking to enhance regional and international security and stability through active political initiatives of the regional conflicts and prevention of foreign interference in its internal affairs,” he said.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said Tuesday that terrorism poses a threat to regional security and stability. The Emir said such mounting threat should be eliminated through concerted efforts.

GCC leaders will continue on Wednesday the second day of their meetings as part of the summit’s works. Also on Wednesday, a Gulf-British Summit will be held in the presence of British Prime Minister Theresa May, who asserted on Tuesday her country’s commitment to the security of Gulf States.