The historic 42nd GCC summit in Riyadh has voiced support for the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and praised the success of the ongoing FIFA Arab Cup Qatar. The summit, coming amid increased diplomacy in the region and the ongoing talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, was a significant event.
The world cup, the first one to be held in the Middle East, is indeed a matter of pride nor only for Qatar but also all Arabs and the region. It will showcase the best of Arab hospitality, heritage and culture to the world.
The GCC summit’s final communiqué also lauded Qatar’s humanitarian efforts for the people of Yemen, where Doha has contributed $90m through the World Food Program.
The GCC Supreme Council also lauded raising the level of the presidency of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council to the level of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and H R H Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
The GCC leaders at the summit discussed deepening cohesion, unity, coordination, integration, and interdependence among the member states in a way to benefit all the states and their citizens. It also discussed ways to tackle climate change, supporting ‘Green Saudi Initiative’ and the ‘Green Middle East Initiative’. The summit commended the UAE for its efforts to host the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Abu Dhabi, as well as the success of Expo 2020. It also extended its full support to Saudi Arabia’s bid to host Expo 2030. The Council welcomed the opening of the 725-km road between Saudi Arabia and Oman, which will contribute to the smooth movement of citizens of the GCC countries and the integration of supply chains in order to achieve the desired economic integration.
The GCC leader also reviewed the deliberations related to developing the bloc from cooperation to a union and assigned a ministerial committee with completing the work to achieve the transformation. They also agreed to increase efforts towards the establishment of a customs union, and create an integrated GCC market.
The summit reiterated commitment to stability and security in the region, as well as respecting sovereignty and non-interference in countries’ internal affairs.
As H H the Amir said as he culminated his visit to Riyadh, the summit’s outcome will help enhance the council’s work and realise the aspirations of the people of the GCC.
