Saudi Gazette report
MANAMA — The Gulf leaders affirmed that the security and stability of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are indivisible. In a joint statement, called the Sakhir Declaration, issued at the conclusion of the 46th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council in Manama on Wednesday, they warned that any infringement upon the sovereignty of a member state constitutes a direct threat to their collective security.

The leaders underlined the need for respecting the sovereignty of GCC states and all countries of the region, as well as for non-interference in their internal affairs, and rejecting the use of force or the threat thereof.

The summit emphasized strengthening the solid bonds and integration among the member states in belief of the noble objectives of the GCC, in continuation of the approach of the founding leaders, and in embodiment of the aspirations of the peoples of the council for greater stability, security, progress, and prosperity.

The leaders underlined their determination to continue advancing coordination and integration among the GCC states across all political, security, economic, and social fields towards the aspired unity that serves their shared fraternal interests and contributes to establishing the foundations of security, peace, and prosperity in the region and the world.

They expressed satisfaction with the achievements made in the course of joint GCC action, including integration milestones realized under a cohesive defense and security sector, balanced and prudent diplomatic positions, and sustainable development and economic projects. These achievements reflect the council’s political cohesion and alignment in vision, objectives, and positions on regional and international issues. They also stressed the importance of continuing efforts at an accelerated pace to achieve further gains for the GCC states and their peoples.

With the aim of consolidating a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East and working to resolve regional and international conflicts through peaceful means, the leaders welcomed the outcomes of the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit. They affirmed support for regional and international efforts aimed at ensuring full adherence to the provisions of the agreement to end the war in the Gaza Strip, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and advancing efforts to establish an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and international legitimacy.

The summit underlined the need to ensure continued progress in economic development and technological and scientific advancement. The leaders stressed the importance of completing the requirements of the GCC Common Market and the Customs Union, enhancing trade and tourism, and encouraging investment in strategic projects, particularly in infrastructure, transport, energy, communications, water, and food.

The leaders emphasized boosting digital infrastructure integration, facilitating e-commerce, and supporting the development of shared systems for digital payments and cloud services in a manner that contributes to full economic citizenship and comprehensive, sustainable development. They also underscored the significance of continuing economic diversification pathways and strengthening innovation and sustainability-based economies to ensure long-term prosperity for GCC states and their peoples.

The summit stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity within a joint GCC strategy that strengthens knowledge integration, supports the exchange of expertise in digital transformation, combats cybercrime, ensures a secure digital environment, and promotes the effective participation of youth and women in the development process while highlighting the role of think tanks and research centres in anticipating the future and formulating public policies that support sustainable development.

The leaders affirmed environmental responsibility and encouraged sustainable initiatives. The leaders renewed their commitment to environmental protection, addressing climate change challenges, reducing carbon emissions, advancing clean and renewable energy projects, and preserving natural and marine resources, in alignment with GCC and global initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions and the Sustainable Development Goals.

The summit called for strengthening international cooperation to safeguard regional security. The leaders emphasized deepening political, security, and economic partnerships with friendly countries, international organizations, and economic blocs, and enhancing collaboration in areas related to sustainable development, combating extremism and terrorism in all its forms, countering hate speech and incitement, tackling transnational organized crime, and supporting the efforts of joint naval forces headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain to enhance energy security, protect maritime navigation, and safeguard international trade.

They further stressed working towards making the Middle East a region free of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction and averting arms races to reinforce regional security and stability.
The leaders expressed their support for Bahrain in its representation of the Arab Group as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the next two years and expressed confidence in its ability to fulfil the aspirations of the GCC and Arab states.

They expressed appreciation for the participation of Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the bilateral discussions, which focused on strengthening deep-rooted historical relations. During the meeting, the two sides agreed to establish a joint action plan to elevate relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership aimed at enhancing their shared interests, reflecting the GCC states’ openness to building broad partnerships with friendly nations.

The leaders emphasized the need to develop institutional cooperation mechanisms to expand horizons of fraternal solidarity and strategic integration, in order to achieve sustainable security and prosperity for the GCC states and their peoples within a safe and stable region, and to contribute to building a world that is more just and prosperous. They underscored their firm commitment to these principles to ensure a brighter future for the GCC states and their peoples.