GCC summit announces Riyadh Declaration, voices support to Palestine, all Arab states

The Gulf summit asserted the importance of supporting the Palestinian cause and resolving the crises in Yemen and all Arab countries in a way that achieves stability and economic prosperity, Al Arabiya reported.

The remarks came in Riyadh Declaration released at the concluding session of the 39th edition of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit, held on Sunday in Saudi Arabia.

The declaration asserted the need for establishing a roadmap to activate the necessary procedures to fulfill the vision of the leaders to achieve integration among the GCC States and lay the foundations for outlining and regulating the relations of the Member States with the international community.

It called for strengthening the security and stability of the region, enhancing the status of the GCC countries, boosting the performance of the council’s apparatuses and enhancing its regional and international role.

In the economic sphere, the leaders stressed the importance of adhering strictly to the timeframe of programs adopted to achieve economic integration among the GCC countries, and the comprehensive application of the provisions of the Gulf economic agreement, in addition to the removal of all obstacles and difficulties facing the implementation of decisions of joint action, and the issuance of the necessary legislative regulations to achieve economic unity among the GCC States by 2025.

Regarding the joint defense of the GCC countries, the declaration affirmed that the appointment of the commander of the unified military command of the GCC is an important step to complete the joint defense system.

Concerning security, the leaders stressed the pivotal role of the GCC in maintaining security and stability in the region and combating terrorist organizations through the security integration of the GCC states and countering extremist ideology by emphasizing the values of moderation, tolerance, pluralism and human rights, derived from the Islamic religion and authentic Arab traditions.

The leaders stressed in the declaration the utmost importance of developing a unified and effective foreign policy for the GCC, based on the Statute of the Council and working to preserve its interests and gains and avoiding regional and international conflicts. They affirmed as well their support for the Palestinian cause and the unity of the Palestinian ranks.

The summiteers directed to strengthen strategic partnerships and economic and cultural cooperation relations and political and security coordination between the GCC nations and friendly countries with the aim of maintaining security and stability in the region.

Also, they stressed the important role of the business sector, women and the Gulf family and NGOs to preserve the gains of the GCC march.