Summit rectifies mandate of GCC

THE 39th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit featured two important speeches which could be considered the starting point of rectifying the GCC mandate by adopting a new course for the organization.

The speech of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber AlSabah was completely different from the rhetoric on usual flattery in Arab and Gulf summits in terms of its language and straightforwardness. He put every member State in a position to face national and pan-Arabism responsibilities by pointing out the extent a striking media speech could lead to miseries. In fact, it could threaten the council and the destiny of its people.

The words of the Amiri speech expressed the deep agony and pain the Gulf has been experiencing due to the crisis and the major threat, making it imperative to expose the furthest level and put everyone in front of their mistakes.

In reality, any threat to the council, even if in a formative manner, means a threat to the unified fate of its countries and people. Withdrawing the Gulf crisis from the media arena is the first practical move towards solving it.

Kuwait did not favor any side at the expense of the other. It merely practiced neutrality and shouldered national responsibility which was affected by destructive campaigns. Intensified efforts and patience are needed to solve the issue. It is not too late to do so, considering HH the Amir’s true words and the dire consequences of such campaigns.

The second speech was that of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz affirming the steadfastness and durability of the GCC despite the intensity of the crisis which has been going on in the last 17 months.

This royal speech – an honest expression of the desires, dreams and wishes of Gulf people as a whole – came from Saudi Arabia, which has been the fulcrum of the council since its inception 37 years ago in spite of everything it has witnessed like disputes and different opinions among brothers.

These two speeches clearly indicate the GCC system is not a temporary gathering which stops its mandate once the circumstances that led to its inception end. It is a course which cannot be stopped by obstacles, personal desires and challenges.

this severe crisis, the leaders announced formation of a unified Gulf military command due to their realization of the foreign threat which is greater than the internal disputes that could be solved once every party realizes their mistakes, rectify them and address the causes to avoid recurrence.

All fears about the GCC appeared in the historic speeches of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, affirming the importance of everyone returning to the Gulf house where challenges are solved rationally and wisely.

All that remains is to say holding the summit in Riyadh with the attendance of all member States means everyone has realized the significance of the Kingdom in its capacity as the big brother, particularly its keenness to ensure durability and safety of organizations.

Therefore, the leaders of member States will meet again in the 40th summit which will be held in the United Arab Emirates under the flagship of this council whose pillars have remained strong. It is mature enough to transform its decisions into action to better serve the entire Gulf region and its people.