King Abdullah called for the formation of a Gulf union in response to challenges facing the security and stability of the region, as leaders met here Monday for the 32nd session of the GCC Supreme Council. “I ask today that we move from a phase of cooperation to a phase of union within a single entity,” said King Abdullah, addressing his counterparts at the opening session of the annual Gulf Summit. “No doubt, you are all aware that our security and stability are targeted. Hence, we have to live up to the responsibility entrusted to us toward our religion and nations. We, in the Arab Gulf countries, are an integral part of our Arab and Islamic nation. Our duty is to assist our brothers in whatever achieves their hopes, spares their blood and wards off the repercussions of events and conflicts and risks of interference,” he said. “Our summit opens in the shadow of challenges that require vigilance and a united stance,” he added. “We learnt from history and experience not to stand still when faced with our reality,” the King said. “Whoever does that will end up at the back of the queue and will be lost... That is something we will not accept for the sake of our countries, our people, our stability and our security. That is why I ask of you today to move beyond the stage of cooperation and into the stage of unity in a single entity,” he added. The GCC delegations are led by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai; King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain; Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed of Oman; Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar; and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. Also in attendance were Prince Mish'al Bin Abdul Aziz, President of Allegiance-Pledge Commission; Prince Mit'eb Bin Abdul Aziz; and Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassem Al-Thani, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. Other dignitaries included Ulema, Speaker of Majlis Al-Shura, ministers, members of the GCC delegations, heads of diplomatic missions to Saudi Arabia and senior officials. The opening session was closed by Dr. Abdullatif Bin Rashid Al-Zayani, GCC Secretary General. The leaders then held a closed session. Later in the evening, King Abdullah held a dinner banquet in Al-Diriya palace, which was attended by Prince Mit'eb Bin Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior.
