King of Bahrain: Gulf Summit Reinforces Legacy of Joint Action

 King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain affirmed that the Gulf Summit serves to reaffirm the member states' commitment to continuing the long-standing legacy of joint Gulf action. He stated that this commitment draws its strength from the bonds of brotherhood and kinship and is fortified by a shared goal and destiny.

 This statement came during the Bahraini king's address at the opening session of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council (Bahrain Summit), held today at Sakhir Palace, Bahrain.

 He highlighted the stature and strategic weight of the Gulf states, noting their active and influential role in regional and international politics. He commended the achievements made in various areas of cooperation, particularly those related to Gulf citizenship and economic unity. He expressed his aspiration to complete the GCC customs union and the GCC common market, as well as to expand partnerships in crucial areas such as food and water security, the digital economy, renewable energy, and other vital sectors.

 He emphasized the importance of continuing joint efforts, given the rapid developments in the region, to address regional issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, through dialogue and political and diplomatic options that promote stability and open firm prospects for the region's security and sustainable development.

 The king of Bahrain stressed the importance of completing the implementation of the Gaza peace plan, noting that it represents a positive step towards halting the escalation and creating a conducive environment for accelerating the path to a just and lasting peace. This peace must guarantee the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

 He also emphasized the need to protect maritime navigation and international trade from any threat to the security of the Arabian Gulf and regional stability. Furthermore, he called for maintaining the region's status as free of weapons of mass destruction. This stance is based on the strategic directions of the Gulf Cooperation Council in the field of collective security and defense, and in cooperation with its network of alliances, in pursuit of consolidating the values of human fraternity and peaceful coexistence, thereby strengthening the culture of peace and enshrining mutual respect among peoples.