HM King urged stronger pan-Arab work for a better future to the Arab nation, stressing the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with its capital Al-Quds, Jerusalem.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa described the creation of the Gulf Cooperation Council as a historic moment that revived the aspirations of the GCC people for a better tomorrow and provided an example of mature conduct amidst the widely turbulent Arab World.
In a keynote speech with which he opened the 33rd session of the GCC Supreme Council that the establishment of the council in 1981 stemmed from the GCC leaders’ strong awareness of the need for more cooperation and unity.
HM voiced utter confidence in the Gulf Cooperation Council to continue its successful march as a solid entity in order to deal with major challenges facing by its member states.
He hailed the summit, being held in Bahrain, as a blessed step in building the edifice over three decades of relentless work to achieve the aspirations of the GCC people.
HM welcomed their highnesses in Bahrain, wishing the summit success in achieving its forecast goals. He expressed thanks and appreciation to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for his efforts to boost the GCC march while presiding over the previous summit in Riyadh.
He also congratulated the GCC countries and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on success of the surgery King Abdullah underwent, wishing the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques continuous good health to continue his pioneering role in serving his country and people as well as supporting the GCC march.
HM King reiterated Bahrain’s respect for the brotherly GCC for their honourable stances which reflect deep-rooted fraternal ties binding them. He pointed out the need for joint work with a unified policy and practical schemes to achieve economic, defence and security integration as well as attain full GCC citizenship that mirrors firm cohesion and policy.
He also called for a world free of conflicts, wars, terrorism and piracy-a world of co-existence and tolerance among religions, cultures and civilisations.
HM lauded the efforts of the GCC Secretary General, his assistants and all the staff of the Secretariat General for good preparation and follow-up of such meetings and the resolutions resulting from them.