Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman emphasized that the Gulf states must stand united and work together to fortify themselves against foreign threats at a time when the region is passing through tough times. Inaugurating the 36th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council at Al-Diriyah Palace here on Wednesday evening, the King underlined the need for lending a helping hand to the countries in the Arab region to restore security and stability as well as to confront potential challenges. He also called for completing the procedures to build a joint GCC defense and security system to safeguard the interests of the Gulf states and their people, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The King reiterated the keenness of the coalition states to achieve security and stability of Yemen under the leadership of its legitimate government. "We, the GCC states, will support a peaceful solution so as to enable Yemen overcome the crisis and restore its march toward development." Referring to the Syrian crisis, King Salman said that the Kingdom is hosting a meeting of the Syrian opposition as a support to them to find a political solution that guarantees the Syrian territorial unity and integrity in accordance with the decisions of the Geneva 1 conference. The King called on all states in the world to shoulder their responsibility to fight extremism and terrorism and eradicate it whatever may be its sources. "The Kingdom exerted great efforts in combating terrorism and would continue its efforts, in cooperation and coordination with the brotherly and friendly countries. Our religion of moderation has rejected terrorism, which has no religion." On the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the formation of the GCC, the King called for proper evaluation of the bloc's achievements. "It is an appropriate time to assess the achievements and look forward to the future. With whatever the Council has so far achieved, our citizens are looking forward to tangible achievements that affect their day to day life and that accomplish their aspirations," the King said, adding that the GCC states would exert all efforts to achieve concrete results in bolstering cooperation and coherence among them. The Monarch also called for pursuing an active foreign policy aimed at averting regional conflicts and promoting restoration of the security and stability of the neighboring countries, in addition to creating economic and social environment supportive to the welfare of the citizens. In his speech, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim, chairman of the 35th session of the Supreme Council, underscored the need for exerting great efforts in light of the critical circumstances, rapid changes and serious challenges facing the world in general and the Middle East in particular. "We have to enhance the joint cooperation in the political, economic and security fields for safeguarding our interests," he said while calling on the international community to double its efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani said that the two-day summit is being held while the region is witnessing serious challenges that require vigilance and hard work in order to preserve GCC achievements and to seek further integration and solidarity to achieve the hopes and aspirations of the GCC citizens.
