Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday closed ranks and underlined the need to coordinate efforts in order to confront common challenges. During a landmark summit held at Maraya Concert Hall in the historic Saudi city of AlUla and chaired by Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman on behalf of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, they signed the final communiqué, which is being termed as "AlUla Declaration". Upon their arrival at the airport as well as the summit venue, the leaders and heads of delegations were received by the Crown Prince and commemorative photos were taken on the occasion. At the outset of the meeting verses from the Holy Qur'an were recited. In the opening speech, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman welcomed the GCC leaders and their delegations on behalf of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, praying to Allah the Almighty to help them continue the march of unity and cooperation in order to achieve their common interest to serve the people and to consolidate the security and stability of the region. The crown prince said that we miss this year two great leaders who had a significant role in supporting the joint Gulf action, Sultan Qaboos bin Said and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad. In recognition of their great efforts over decades in the support of the GCC, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques directed that this summit shall be named (the Summit of Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah), asking Allah Almighty to bestow mercy upon their souls. We also wish all success for Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said and Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in continuing the march of progress, growth, and prosperity in their countries and supporting our joint Gulf action, the Crown Prince added. "We express great thanks and appreciation for the efforts to bridge the gap, as these efforts were led by Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad and continued by Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, he remarked. The Crown Prince also hailed the US endeavors and all parties that have contributed toward the Gulf reconciliation. These efforts have led to reaching "AlUla Declaration," which affirms the importance of the solidarity and stability in the Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries and strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among our countries and peoples in order to serve their aspirations, Muhammad Bin Salman pointed out. "Today, we are in utmost need to unite our efforts to advance our region and confront the challenges that surround us, particularly the threats posed by the Iranian regime's nuclear program, its ballistic missile program, its destructive sabotage projects as well as its terrorist and sectarian activities adopted by Iran and its proxies to destabilize the security and stability in the region," the Crown Prince stressed. "These actions put us in a position to call the international community to work seriously in order to stop these programs and projects that threaten regional and international peace and security." He said that the council was established based on the special relationship among our countries and common denominators, including the bonds of faith, kinship, and our peoples' common destiny. From this standpoint, we have to realize the high goals and foundations on which the Council is based to continue the march and achieve integration in all fields. We also underscore the importance of increasing efforts to complete the remaining steps towards achieving that vision, the Crown Prince emphasized. "Saudi Arabia's firm and continuous policy, future plans, and ambitious development vision (Vision 2030) prioritizes a unified and solid GCC, in addition to strengthening the Arab and Islamic cooperation in a way that serves the security, stability, and prosperity of our countries and the region, he concluded. After that, Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, delivered a speech, in which he expressed his sincere thanks to King Salman and to the government and people of Saudi Arabia for the warm reception, hospitality, and excellent organization of this summit, praising the keenness of all participants to hold this meeting which will support joint GCC and Arab action, and achieve our people's aspirations. Sheikh Nawaf praised the historic achievement by signing the statement of Al-la, recalling the sincere role played by the late Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah who contributed greatly to the success of this agreement. Sheikh Nawaf appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership for its initiative by naming this summit after Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah, as an appreciation for their efforts in serving the Arab, Islamic, international and humanitarian issues. Sheikh Nawaf expressed his deep appreciation of US President Donald Trump and his adviser Jared Kushner, praising their efforts in support of this agreement as well as the keenness of the GCC countries' leaders and Egypt to exert more efforts to achieve their peoples' aspirations. The Emir of Kuwait appreciated the prominent role of Egypt and its stances in supporting the region's security and stability. Sheikh Nawaf concluded that naming the AlUla Declaration as the "Solidarity Agreement" reflecting our keenness on the cohesion and unity of the Arab nation.
