GCC Leaders End 46th Summit With Promise to Work Together for a Safer, Stronger Region
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
Manama: Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ended their 46th Summit in Bahrain with a strong message of unity, peace, and teamwork. They agreed to strengthen cooperation and face new challenges together. Their final statement was called the Sakhir Declaration.
The leaders spoke about five main goals.
1. Unity Between Gulf Countries
The leaders said that GCC countries are like a family. They share history, language, and faith. They promised to keep working together so people in the region can enjoy safety, stability, and a better future. The GCC countiries are happy with the progress already made in areas such as defense, security, economy, and development.
2. Respect for Each Country’s Sovereignty and Peace in the Region
The leaders stressed that every country must respect the borders and decisions of others to protect peace and support the well-being of all people. They said no one should interfere in another country’s internal affairs. They also welcomed efforts to stop the war in Gaza and help Palestinians get humanitarian aid. They repeated their support for creating an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.
3. Growing the Economy and Expanding Technology
The GCC leaders agreed to grow trade and tourism, and to support big projects that improve energy, transport, water, and food service. They want to complete the GCC Common Market and Customs Union to make business easier for everyone. They also want to improve digital systems like online payments, e-commerce, and cloud services to help build a better future and make technology easier for everyone to use. The leaders said that investing in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity will help young people, women, and the whole region succeed in the future.
4. Protecting the Environment and Fighting Climate Change
The leaders promised to support clean energy, cut carbon emissions, and protect nature and the sea. They said GCC countries will continue working with global and local partners to reach climate goals and build a cleaner future for the next generations.
5. Working With the World to Keep the Region Safe
The leaders said they will strengthen ties with friendly countries and international organisations. They agreed to fight terrorism, extremism, hate speech, and organised crime. They also highlighted the importance of protecting sea routes and energy supplies. They supported efforts to make the Middle East free of nuclear weapons and dangerous arms.
The GCC leaders welcomed Bahrain’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the next two years. They said Bahrain will help promote peace, dialogue, and cooperation around the world. They also thanked Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for joining part of the summit. Both sides agreed to build a stronger partnership between the GCC and Italy.
At the end of the summit, the leaders said they will continue improving cooperation to create a safer, more stable, and more prosperous future for all people in the Gulf region.
