The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders wrapped up their 46th Summit on Wednesday, committing to enhance integration and address new challenges.
Concluding the Summit in Bahrain, they released the ‘Sakhir Declaration,’ affirming commitment to five core principles. These include state integration, GCC security against foreign interference, economic and technological development, sustainability, and global relations.
1. Strengthening GCC Unity
The first principle highlights reinforcing the existing ties among member countries, with leaders vowing to continue promoting integration across various sectors.
2. No Foreign Interference
The Summit emphasized respecting GCC and regional sovereignty, non-interference in internal matters, and rejecting force. They asserted that GCC security is indivisible and any threat to a member’s sovereignty endangers collective security.
The GCC welcomed the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit’s outcomes and reiterated support for the two-state solution for Palestine. They are committed to aiding Gaza’s reconstruction and establishing a sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital.
3. Economic and Technological Growth
The third principle prioritizes economic growth and technological progress. Leaders stressed the GCC Common Market and Customs Union’s significance, enhancing trade, tourism, and investment in strategic projects.
They highlighted integrating digital infrastructure, promoting e-commerce, and developing shared systems for digital payments and cloud services. Cooperation in technology, AI, and cybersecurity within a joint GCC strategy was underscored.
4. Environmental Sustainability
The GCC is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices, protecting the environment, tackling climate change, reducing carbon emissions, advancing clean energy projects, and conserving natural resources.
5. Combating Terrorism and Ensuring Security
The GCC nations reaffirmed their commitment to international cooperation to secure the region. This includes strengthening political, security, and economic partnerships globally, combating extremism and terrorism, countering hate speech, tackling transnational crime, and supporting Bahrain-based naval forces.
The leaders also aim to make the Middle East free of nuclear and mass destruction weapons, preventing arms races to enhance regional security.
Support was expressed for Bahrain’s representation of the Arab Group as a non-permanent UN Security Council member for the next two years.
Appreciation was noted for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s participation in discussions aimed at strengthening historical ties. Both sides agreed on a joint plan to elevate relations to a strategic partnership.
