GCC leaders united in the stand against terror

President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan commended Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat terrorism as he opened the 31st Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit at the Emirates Palace on Monday.

The UAE President opened the  Summit in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Leaders of the six GCC states pledged to stand by Saudi Arabia and the international community in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking at the opening session of the GCC Summit, Kuwait Emir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah, said: "We are closely following Saudi Arabia's efforts to combat terrorism. While condemning terrorist acts we express support to the kingdom and the international community in their fight against terrorism in all its forms."

Shaikh Khalifa thanked outgoing GCC Secretary-General Abdul Rahman Al Attiyah for his contribution to furthering the cause of the GCC during his term and welcomed Abdul Latif Bin Rashid Al Zayani as GCC Secretary-General.

Al Zayani will assume his new role at the beginning of next year.

Regional security is high on the agenda of the summit.
 

The leaders of the GCC states in the evening started the first closed session under the chairmanship of Sheikh Khalifa.

Participating in the summit are His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain; the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani; the Emir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah; Deputy Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia and Interior Minister Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz and Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Saeed of Oman. 

Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the leaders of the GCC states to the UAE, describing it as their second home, and wished them success in the forthcoming talks and discussions. He also expressed his gratitude to the Emir of Kuwait for his efforts and wisdom during his presidency of the previous session.

Earlier on Monday, Sheikh Khalifa received visiting GCC leaders and their accompanying delegations and held talks with them in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid; Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah and a number of senior officials.

The Kuwaiti Emir was accompanied by an honorary mission headed by UAE Minister of State Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi. Also traveling with Sheikh Sabah to the summit are Sheikh Dr Mohammed Sabah Al Salem Al Sabah, the Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and other senior officials.

The Qatari Emir was accompanied by an honorary mission headed by UAE Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development Abdul Rahman Mohammed Nassir Al Owais. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa's accompanying delegation includes Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani and other senior officials.

In a statement upon arrival, the Qatari leader expressed his hope that the summit would contribute to the GCC's drive towards progress, while realising the aspirations of their citizens. He called on almighty God to guide the summit leaders in their efforts to serve the interests of the peoples of Arab and Islamic nations.

The Bahraini leader was accompanied by an honorary mission led by Minister of Education Humaid Mohammed Obeid Al Qattami. King Hamad was escorted to the summit by Deputy Prime Minister of Bahrain Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa, Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa amd other senior officials.

Prince Nayef was accompanied by an honorary mission headed by UAE Minister of Labour Saqr Ghobash Saeed Ghobash. Also accompanying the prince to the summit are Prince Saud Al Faisal, Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, and a number of ministers and senior officials.

The Saudi Arabian Deputy Prime Minister praised the detailed attention given by Sheikh Khalifa to the summit, saying that his efforts would contribute greatly to the summit's success.

UAE Minister of Justice Dr Hadef Jua'an Al Dhaheri headed an honorary mission accompanying the Omani Deputy Prime Minister to the summit. Also traveling with Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Saeed are Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, along with a number of senior officials.

During remarks given by the Deputy Prime Minister of Oman on arrival, he affirmed his country's full support for the GCC's efforts to promote further cooperation and coordination between the council's member states. In light of current developments in the region and beyond, he called for the removal of all barriers that impede the successful implementation of the council's desired policies.

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