GCC Leaders Commend Saudi Arabia's Role in Regional Cooperation and Peacebuilding

Post by : Mara Rahim

The leaders of the Shura, national, representative, and Ummah councils from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations convened in Manama, Bahrain, for their 19th extraordinary session. This meeting spotlighted key regional and global developments, with a significant focus on Saudi Arabia's active diplomatic and humanitarian contributions in recent months, represented by Shura Council Speaker Sheikh Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh.

The GCC leaders expressed great appreciation for the outcomes of the Gulf-U.S. Summit held in Saudi Arabia this May. They underscored that the summit was instrumental in enhancing collaboration between Gulf nations and the United States, contributing to the creation of a more secure and stable environment. The consensus was that the discussions during this event facilitated stronger dialogue, security, and economic partnerships between the Gulf countries and international allies.

A crucial aspect of the leaders' dialogue centered around Saudi Arabia's recent initiatives in support of the Palestinian cause. They praised the Kingdom for its role as co-chair at the High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question which took place in New York City in September. This conference was noted as a pivotal moment in rekindling global attention toward achieving enduring peace through a two-state solution, reaffirming international support for justice for the Palestinian populace.

The GCC legislative figures also acknowledged the efforts made by the concerted ministerial committee under Saudi Arabia's direction. Formed during the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, this committee has been pivotal in advocating for the cessation of Israeli hostilities against the Palestinians. The leaders praised its role in urging for violence to end, protecting civilian lives, and initiating the reconstruction of Gaza. They commended Saudi Arabia’s responsible and determined leadership in these diplomatic and humanitarian pursuits.

Additionally, the leaders recognized the contributions of the Arab ministerial committee led by Bahrain, which focuses on bolstering Palestine's standing on the global stage. They stressed the importance of this committee's continued efforts, especially the need for active collaboration with international organizations and governments, affirming that sustained global support is vital for a fair and lasting resolution to the Palestinian issue.

Concluding their statement, the GCC leaders offered their congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the people of Saudi Arabia for the successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034. They hailed this victory as a landmark achievement for both the Kingdom and the Gulf region as a whole, predicting that this global event will enhance the region's sports industry, tourism, and international reputation.

In the final remarks, the GCC legislative leaders emphasized the crucial nature of ongoing cooperation among Gulf states and reaffirmed their backing of Saudi Arabia’s role in fostering regional peace, humanitarian efforts, and global engagement. The meeting concluded with a unified commitment to stability, growth, and solidarity across the Gulf, advocating that the progress made in recent months serves as a catalyst for further collective actions going forward.