35th GCC Summit ends in Doha

Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states concluded the 35th session of the GCC Supreme Council Summit at the Doha Sheraton Hotel last evening.

According to Qatar News Agency, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani delivered the GCC Supreme Council 35th session final communique in which the Supreme Council congratulated H.H. the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on assuming the presidency of the current session of the Supreme Council, appreciating His Highness's opening remarks and eagerness to activate the process of cooperation between the GCC countries in all fields.

The Supreme Council expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for the great, sincere efforts made by H.H. the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, as the Chair of the thirty-fourth session of the Supreme Council, praising the significant steps and achievements made.

The Council was informed on standings of the consultations on the proposal of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, on the transition from the cooperation stage to the union. It directed the Ministerial Council to continue consultations and complete studying the matter with the participation of Head of the specialized body in this regard, as stipulated by the Supreme Council decision in this regard in the 33rd session, which was held in Bahrain in December 2012.

The Supreme Council congratulated H.H. the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah on Kuwait being named as a global humanitarian hub, and the Emir of Kuwait as global humanitarian leader. On this occasion, the Supreme Council honored the Emir of Kuwait, wishing him success in the prestigious role in the service of humanity, and the State of Kuwait and its people further progress and prosperity.

The Council congratulated HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on the success of parliamentary and municipal elections that took place in Bahrain on November 22, 2014, considering it to be a historic achievement, in which all segments of the Bahraini society participated, proving support for their wise leadership in building a prosperous future under the reforms project of HM the King of Bahrain. The Council wished the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people further progress and prosperity.

The Supreme Council reviewed the recommendations and follow-up reports submitted by the Ministerial Council and achievements made in the process of joint action since the previous session in all fields, and expressed appreciation for the efforts made to promote the process of joint cooperation, particularly with regard to the promotion of Gulf citizenship which enables GCC citizens to achieve stronger integration, considering these be important achievements in the blessed march of the Council, and a push towards broader horizons.

The Supreme Council discussed political issues at regional and international levels, in the light of the latest developments in the region and took the necessary decisions.

In economic affairs, the Supreme Council adopted the financial and economic cooperation Committee steps to reach the final status of the Customs Union. It also adopted the law (System) of food for the Gulf Cooperation Council, which aims to ensure the safety of food , and public health protection for consumers and facilitate the movement of food trade. It also adopted the all rules and principles for the integration of financial markets in the GCC States, pending the completion of standard rules for the integration of financial markets in the Gulf States.

The Supreme Council reviewed the report on water linkage and water security in the GCC States and quickly completed a long-term comprehensive strategy for GCC. It also considered the report on the functioning of the GCC railway project as the project of great importance in facilitating trade and movement of people between Member States, and stressed the importance of completing this vital project by 2018 with best specifications available globally.

The Supreme Council was informed about the functioning of the GCC Monetary Union, and the steps taken by States to implement the Gulf common market in order to activate and expand the access of nationals of the Gulf common market.

The Supreme Council affirmed the importance of continuing in the steps of the integration among the GCC States in various economic fields, and to intensify efforts to implement its resolutions on joint action with regard to the areas under the economic agreement.

The Council praised the GCC of all-round development in various fields, and expressed satisfaction with the growth in the economies of the GCC countries.

The Council commended efforts undertaken by the GCC Secretariat General to follow up the implementation of its resolutions in the interest and aspirations of youth, the Council stressed the importance of continuing the Secretariat efforts in organizing youth activities through workshops, programs, meetings and training courses, contact the international youth programs, and pilot initiatives in the area of entrepreneurship, innovation, employment, skills building and work programmess.

The Supreme Council reviewed the report of the Secretariat General on following-up to the implementation of the resolution at its session (32) (Riyadh December 2011) on the adoption of the GCC plan to combat non-communicable diseases (2011-2020), and adopted the updated "GCC plan of prevention and control of noncommunicable diseases (2014 - 2025).

 On Yemen, the Supreme Council affirmed its support for the efforts of Yemen's President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi President of Yemen in achieving security, stability, and the extension of the control of the State in Yemen and in leading the process of peaceful transition of power, through a commitment to the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism as well as the comprehensive national dialogue conference outcomes.

The Supreme Council urged all Yemeni parties to be committed to settling their differences through dialogue and consultation and renounce the use of violence in order to achieve political goals, calling on all Yemenis to resolve differences by peaceful means, and to implement a comprehensive national dialogue conference outcomes as well as provide an appropriate atmosphere to complete the implementation of the initiative and the executive its executive mechanism to meet the ambitions and aspirations of the Yemeni people.

The Council recalled the presidential statement of the UN Security Council dated August 29, 2014, which condemned acts of violence by the Houthis in Sanaa, Omran and Al-Hodeida and other areas , and the grab of the State civil and military institutions , and looting and destruction of their contents, considering them as undermining the Yemeni national will, the output of national dialogue, and disruption of the political transition process in the Republic of Yemen.

The Supreme Council demanded the immediate withdrawal of the Houthi militia from all the territories they occupied, return of all military and civilian State institutions to the State authority, and hand over captured weapons and equipment.

The Council reiterated its position standing with fraternal Yemen in confronting the threat of terrorism whatever its source, and condemned the continued attacks against the security forces and the Yemeni armed forces, and denounced the Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula for violence which destabilize Yemen and threaten the security of the region.

On Iraq, the Supreme Council welcomed the new trends of the Iraqi new Government, calling for concerted efforts towards promoting national partnership between the various components of the Iraqi people, so as to contribute to Iraq's stability and security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and helps promote trust and build bridges of cooperation in the Gulf region in order to encounter terrorism as a common threat to all.

The Supreme Council reiterated its support for the UN Security Council resolution 2107/2013, which decided unanimously to refer the file of prisoners and missing persons and the return of Kuwaiti property to United Nations Mission UNAMI to follow up this matter, and expressed hope the Iraqi government would continue its efforts and its cooperation with the State of Kuwait and the international community in this regard.

On Egypt, the Supreme Council reiterated its firm position in support of the Republic of Egypt and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's roadmap, stressing the Council's full support and stand with the people and Government of Egypt in achieving stability and prosperity. The Council underscored the role of Egypt at Arab and regional levels for the benefit of both the Arab and Islamic countries.

On Libya, the Supreme Council condemned the militias and their control over the Libyan arena, stressing the importance of the security and stability of Libya and its territorial integrity, demanding an immediate halt to the violence and called for national reconciliation. The Council called on all parties to support the legitimacy of the elected House, looking forward to the House of representatives and the interim Government to adopt policies that take into account the interests of all Libyans, meet their aspirations and achieve security and prosperity.

The Supreme Council expressed appreciation and thanks to HH the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al -Thani, who is also the Chairman of the current session of the Supreme Council, his wise government , and to the people of the State of Qatar for the gracious hospitality, accorded to Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of GCC States and delegates.

GCC leaders express solidarity with Bahrain against terrorism

Gulf Cooperation Council, GCC, leaders have stressed their solidarity with the Kingdom of Bahrain in all the measures it is taking to confront terrorism and strongly condemned the terrorist bombings that killed innocent people and threatened Bahrain's security and stability.

The 35th GCC Summit communique welcomed the outcomes of the International Conference on Combating Terrorism Funding held in Manama in November 2014.

According to Bahrain News Agency, BNA, the GCC Supreme Council congratulated H.M. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain on the success of the parliamentary and municipal elections held in November and on their high turnout, which reflects the people's support for Bahrain's leadership to secure a bright future under the royal reforms.

The GCC Supreme Council wished the Kingdom of Bahrain and its people further progress and prosperity.

Mohammed arrives in Doha for summit

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has arrived in Doha with his accompanying delegation.

Sheikh Mohammed was received at the airport by His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and a number of sheikhs and senior Qatari officials.

The delegation accompanying Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid includes Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development (Micad), Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy, Lt. General Misbah bin Rashid Al Fattan, Director of the Office of the Vice-President, Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, and Saleh Mohammed bin Nasra Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to Qatar.

Mohammed visits Amir of Kuwait at his residence in Doha

Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, visited today at his residence in Sheraton Doha hotel, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Amir of Kuwait.

They exchanged views on a number of issues on the agenda of the 35th annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Doha.

The Vice President and Amir of Kuwait also discussed ways to support the march of the GCC countries into integration and consensus in the best interest of the member countries in various fields.

In attendance were Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and members of the official accompanying delegation of Sheikh Mohammed.

Mohammed visits Saudi Crown Prince at his residence in Doha

Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, visited today at his residence, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and head of the Saudi delegation to the 35th annual Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Doha.

The meeting, held at the residence of the Saudi Crown Prince, discussed a number of issues on the Summit's agenda and ways to activate the implementation of the issued resolutions by the GCC leaders for the higher national interest of the Gulf countries.

They also discussed ways to enhance the march of GCC in all domains to meet the aspiration of their countries.

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and members of the official accompanying delegation of Sheikh Mohammed.
 

Mohammed tours Hamad International Airport in Doha

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Tuesday toured Hamad International Airport in Doha which was constructed at a cost of $15 billion and opened last April.

Flanked by Lt. Musbeh bin Rashid Al Fattan, Director of the office of the Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed toured the airport premises spread over an area of 1,700 hectares.

While touring the main terminal and other buildings, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about the passenger procedures by Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. He explained that the absorption capacity of the airport at the current stage is approximately 30 million passengers annually, adding that the number may go up to 50 million passengers when the absorption capacity reaches 80 aircraft of different generations per hour.

Sheikh Mohammed also visited the duty free market and recreational facilities for the passengers and restaurants, and then went to the baggage section.

The Hamad International Airport boasts of 100 buildings for service, maintenance, management, aviation companies and other multi-purpose buildings.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his admiration for the airport, describing it as an urban facade for sisterly Qatar and a portal for the entry of people of all nationalities and various cultures into Qatar in particular and the region in general.

He congratulated the Emir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, for this feat, deeming it an outstanding landmark for the people of Qatar and the GCC peoples as well.

Sheikh Mohammed said that any project accomplished by one of the GCC states "is an achievement for all the GCC peoples, given their common destiny outlined by the GCC leaders to achieve unity."

 Mohammed issues decree reforming board of Dubai Sports Council

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued Decree No. 46 of 2014 reforming the board of the Dubai Sports Council under the chairmanship of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. 

The new board comprises of Deputy Chairman Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, and the membership of Ali Mohamed Bujsaim, Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, Ahmed Mohammed Al Shafar, Khalid Ali bin Zayed, Youssef Ahmed Jawad Al Redha, Laila Mohammed Suhail, Salah Ameen Salah, Khalid Mohammed Al Zahid, Moza Saeed Al Marri, Anas Rashad Bukhash, Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri and Maryam Ahmed Al Hammadi.

According to the decree, the new board is valid for four years, renewable, and the decree is considered active from the date of issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

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