36th GCC Summit Final Communique

GCC leaders yesterday wrapped up the 36th annual summit in Riyadh with broad agreement on political, social and economic issues in the region. Here are the main points of the final communique:

Combating extremism:

Leaders stressed that the world must share in its responsibility to combat terrorism and eradicate the sources of extremism. GCC states pledged to continue to combat terrorism with the cooperation of friendly nations.

Security cooperation:

Leaders agreed to accelerate the pace of security and military links between states in order to boost security and stability in the GCC and strengthen its defences against security threats.

Yemen:

States expressed their keenness to achieve security and stability in Yemen under the leadership of its legitimate government. They reaffirmed their support for a political solution as per the GCC initiative, outcome of the National Dialogue and UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

Syria:

They affirmed their support for a political solution in Syria and the outcome of the opposition meeting held in Riyadh. They back the meeting’s results, which ensure the unity and independence of Syria as per the principles of Geneva 1. It also welcomed the outcome of the Vienna talks.

Palestine:

States reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and the right of the Palestinian people to have an independent state. They also expressed their support for Palestinians suffering from Israeli oppression, specifically its actions in occupied Jerusalem.

Customs Union:

Leaders agreed to take all necessary steps to facilitate and simplify customs procedures of entry and exit points between Gulf countries, paving the way for their eventual annulment. This comes in line with completing the transitional phase for the Customs Union by 2016.

Economic integration:

Steps will be taken for the implementation of the GCC common market, which was first launched seven years ago. This includes taking steps towards achieving equality of treatment for GCC citizens in all economic fields, without distinction or discrimination. For the purpose of achieving full economic integration, the leaders tasked the GCC Secretariat to set up a committee comprising intellectuals and experts to come up with proposals to achieve this goal.

Environmental protection:

GCC states will exchange expertise with specialised regional and international organisations and propose policies to protect the maritime environment.

Consumer protection:

GCC Secretariat will be tasked with ensuring consumer protection by establishing consumer safety associations and specialised bodies to deal with the problem.

Special needs persons:

States will bolster efforts to help people with special needs by integrating legislation to this effect.