Kuwait emir's GCC summit speech reflects desire for unity of positions

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Arab Gulf leaders have voiced desire for further integration with the objective of enhancing their unity in the face of regional and international challenges. His Highness the Amir, addressing the 34th Summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Tuesday, called for integration to honoring aspirations of the Gulf people. "We managed to prove to the whole world that the blessed march of GCC cooperation council, with all its indications, is capable of steadfastness and communication for serving the peoples of the council," His Highness the Amir said. He emphasized that circumstances surrounding the region and developments taking place around the globe required more consultation and coordination. "A closer look at the surrounding circumstances, both regionally and Internationally, clearly assures the importance of our meeting today, and the need to consultation, and exchange of views, concerning such circumstances, and their consequences upon our area, in a manner that fosters our solidarity, and enhances the steadfastness of our unity. Our meeting reflects our sublimity, and our cooperation reflects our power," said His Highness the Amir. The Charter of the GCC stipulates integration in different domains. Article four of the Charter called for effective coordination, integration and inter-connection between member states in many fields - like economy and finance, commerce, customs and communication, education and culture - in order to achieve unity. Saudi Crown Prince Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Salman bin Abdulaziz hoped, in a statement following his arrival earlier today, the 34th summit achieved its goals as mapped out by its leaders and ambitions by its people, until reaching full integration and unity. Omani Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs Fahad bin Mahmoud Al-Saeed reiterated full support for all efforts aimed at "promoting the Gulf march through the existing organization of the Council in order ... to honor aspirations of the peoples of the region." Al-Saeed highly appreciated the role of the State of Kuwait and its "wise leadership" which always sought to back understanding and cooperation among the Gulf countries. Al-Saeed said the regional and international developments require further coordination to activate trade exchange, cultural and scientific cooperation. Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani expressed hope that the 34th GCC summit would achieve ambitions and wishes of GCC people. Sheikh Tamim hoped the GCC summit would further enhance the common march and realize the aspirations of the peoples of the GCC member states. The GCC has always been active in the regional and international political scene. The Arab Gulf bloc tabled an initiative that defused the political conflict in Yemen, paving the way for power transition and the start of national dialogue. The GCC countries were also active in alleviating the suffering of the Syrian people, extending USD millions in humanitarian assistance for the needy Syrians.