His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa told the GCC leaders that GCC Union would usher in a new era of political stability and economic prosperity in the region.
He also cited the formation of the GCC Union as a logical end of the creation of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) established by the then leaders in early 1980’s.
He was addressing the 33rd GCC Summit opened later on Monday at Al Sakhir Palace and attended by the GCC leaders and their accompanied high-powered delegations.
“In welcoming you to the Kingdom of Bahrain, we inaugurate today, with God’s blessing, the Thirty-third Session of the Supreme Council for the Cooperation Council for the Arab Gulf States. We pray to Almighty that this will be a successful session, resulting in outcomes that give pride and strength for us and for our Arab and Islamic nation. Appreciation and gratitude must be extended to the Saudi Monarch, His Majesty King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz for his efforts to promote the Council’s progress during his presidency of the previous summit in beloved Riyadh,” His Majesty in his opening remarks said.
“We also want to congratulate the Saudi leadership and people on the successful operation that His Majesty underwent, asking God Almighty to bless him with everlasting perfect health to continue his leading role in the service of the people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to support our blessed march with his brothers, their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
“The creation of the Cooperation Council was a historic moment that revived the ambitions of our people towards a better tomorrow, and provided an example of astute conduct amidst the widely turbulent Arab world. The formation of the Council in 1981 stemmed from the founding leaders’ awareness of the need for greater cooperation and unity, and in recognition of the power and strength inherent in unity, and the importance of defending our homeland. I am confident that owing to your wise judgment and guidance, our Council shall continue its flourishing path as a solid structure, able to deal with major challenges facing our countries. Our blessed meeting in Bahrain represents a small effort in building this edifice; following more than three decades of unwavering dedication and action to achieve our aspirations and the hopes of our dear people in the creation of safe heaven under which our societies can enjoy security.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is honoured to welcome you and wishes once again to express its appreciation for your support and positive positions, which reflect the deep fraternal relations between our countries. This can only further underline the need to pursue joint action and unified policy if we are to face up the responsibilities that lie ahead. Practical plans for economic, defence and security integration shall be set forth to attain full GCC citizenship, reflecting our firm cohesion and policy. This is what we most cherish and pride ourselves upon. Thus, joint Arab action will be cemented for a better future for the Arab nation, and to support Arab rights, namely the right of the Palestinian people to establish their independent state with Al-Quds (Jerusalem) as its capital, and to create a world free of conflicts, wars, terrorism and piracy, and adopt the principle of coexistence and tolerance among the different religions, cultures and civilizations.
“We all look forward with confidence to concrete decisions for the benefit of our dear citizens; outcomes that reinforce what have been done to promote the fullest forms of cooperation in all areas. We believe that achievements will achieve integration and unity. We ask God Almighty to bless our efforts for a brighter and prosperous future.
“In conclusion, we express deep appreciation and gratitude for the efforts of the Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, those of his aides and all staff at the Secretariat for the exceptional preparation and follow-up arrangements for these meetings and their resolutions.