GCC ministers clear decks for summit
kuwait city — The Gulf Cooperation Council’s unity and solidarity is still intact, standing against various kinds of challenges and trials over the years, Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah, Kuwaiti First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday.
Delivering his opening speech to the 144th Foreign Ministers meeting, held ahead of the 38th GCC Summit on December 5-6, Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled was quoted by the Kuwait News Agency as saying that the meeting will contribute to the success of the summit.
On his Twitter account, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash said he was happy to be in Kuwait on the fraternal land of generous Al Sabah and his faithful people. “Kuwait shall remain, always and forever, beloved and cherished by each and every Emirati national.” The Kuwaiti minister stressed the importance of the current summit, noting that it will contribute to the continuation of the council’s success.
The Amir of Kuwait, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, and his fellow leaders are hopeful that the summit will continue to be the venue that serves the people of the region and carries on the rapid development of GCC nations, said Sheikh Sabah Al Khaled.
He hoped that the current summit would meet the aspirations and dreams of the people in the region and would continue the GCC’s strong stride towards a bright future.
kuwait city – While Kuwait is all set to host the 38th GCC summit, the UAE affirmed its commitment to the Gulf unity despite the ongoing dispute between some member states.
Sources told Khaleej Times that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain will be present.
“The ministers of foreign affairs shall meet on Monday evening to prepare for the summit,” the sources added.
On his Twitter account, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash said that he was happy to be in Kuwait on the fraternal land of generous Al Sabah and his faithful people.
“Kuwait shall remain, always and forever, beloved and cherished by each and every Emirati national.”
Emirati analyst and chief editor of Al Khaleej newspaper Raed Barqawi told Khaleej Times that the UAE participation in the summit is in line with its commitment to support the Gulf solidarity and its passion to protect the interests of all Gulf countries. “We are so keen to defend and develop the unity and development of the GCC in a way that meets the aspirations of Gulf peoples, considering the political, economic, and security importance of this block.”
The UAE is up to its regional and international responsibilities, he added. “The UAE definitely supports the summit being held as scheduled with no disruption,” Barqawi added.
Paying tributes to the Amir of Kuwait, Barqawi said that His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah “spares no effort to make a big success of the joint Gulf work.”
“The UAE being here today reflects its recognition of the prudent leadership and people of Kuwait, considering the reverent personality of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah.” He affirmed that the Gulf dispute with Qatar shall have no end “unless it positively responds to the concerns of the three Gulf countries — UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and in coordination with Egypt.” ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com