HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani with GCC leaders and heads of delegations attending the 35th session of the GCC Supreme Council Summit in Doha yesterday.
QNA
Doha
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Leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states concluded the 35th session of the GCC Supreme Council Summit at the Doha Sheraton Hotel yesterday evening.
HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani chaired the closing session and gave the floor to HE the GCC Secretary General, Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid al-Zayani, to deliver the final communique and Doha declaration.
Dr al-Zayani delivered the communique in which the GCC Supreme Council congratulated HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on assuming its presidency of the current session, appreciating His Highness’s opening remarks and eagerness to activate the process of co-operation between the GCC countries in all fields.
The Supreme Council expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for the great, sincere efforts made by the Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, as the Chair of the 34th session of the Supreme Council, praising the significant steps and achievements made.
The Council was informed on standings of the consultations on the proposal of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, on the transition from the co-operation stage to the union. It directed the Ministerial Council to continue consultations and complete studying the matter with the participation of head of the specialised body in this regard, as stipulated by the Supreme Council decision in this regard in the 33rd session, which was held in Bahrain in December 2012.
The Supreme Council congratulated Sheikh Sabah on Kuwait being named as a global humanitarian hub, and the Emir of Kuwait as global humanitarian leader. On this occasion, the Supreme Council honoured the Emir of Kuwait, wishing him success in the prestigious role in the service of humanity, and the State of Kuwait and its people further progress and prosperity.
The Council congratulated King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah of Bahrain on the success of parliamentary and municipal elections that took place in his country on November 22, 2014, considering it to be a historic achievement, in which all segments of the Bahraini society participated, proving support for their wise leadership in building a prosperous future under the reforms project of the King of Bahrain. The Council wished Bahrain and its people further progress and prosperity.
The Supreme Council reviewed the recommendations and follow-up reports submitted by the Ministerial Council and achievements made in the process of joint action since the previous session in all fields, and expressed appreciation for the efforts made to promote the process of co-operation, particularly with regard to the promotion of Gulf citizenship which enables GCC citizens to achieve stronger integration, considering these be important achievements in the blessed march of the Council, and a push towards broader horizons.
The Supreme Council discussed political issues at regional and international levels, in the light of the latest developments in the region and took the necessary decisions.
In economic affairs, the Supreme Council adopted the financial and economic co-operation committee steps to reach the final status of the Customs Union.
The Supreme Council reviewed the report on water linkage and water security in the GCC States and quickly completed a long-term comprehensive strategy for GCC. It also considered the report on the functioning of the GCC railway project as the project of great importance in facilitating trade and movement of people between member states, and stressed the importance of completing this vital project by 2018 with best specifications available globally.
The Supreme Council was informed about the functioning of the GCC monetary union, and the steps taken by states to implement the Gulf common market in order to activate and expand the access of nationals of the Gulf common market.
The Supreme Council affirmed the importance of continuing in the steps of the integration among the GCC States in various economic fields, and to intensify efforts to implement its resolutions on joint action with regard to the areas under the economic agreement.
In joint military action, the Supreme Council examined the resolutions and recommendations of the joint defence council at its 13th meeting, and agreed to create a unified marine force.
Regarding the fight against terrorism, the Supreme Council reiterated the firm positions of the GCC countries that renounce terrorism and extremism in all its forms and manifestations whatever its motives and justifications and whatever its source as well as on draining its sources of financing. It stressed the commitment of the GCC countries to combating the ideology upon which terrorist groups are founded, especially as Islam is innocent of such ideology, affirming that GCC states’ policy is based on tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples, and stressing that GCC countries stand firm against terrorist threats facing the region and the world in order to ensure security, stability and peace.
The Supreme Council expressed support to Bahrain in its fight against terrorist acts, and voiced strong condemnation of the terrorist bombings that claimed innocent lives, and threatened security and peace in Bahrain.
On the Iranian occupation of three islands belonging to the United Arab Emirates, the Supreme Council reiterated firm positions, rejecting the continuation of Iran’s occupation of UAE’s Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mussa Islands, which were stressed in all previous statements.
On the relations with Iran, the Council stressed the importance of the co-operation between the GCC states and Iran on the basis of good neighbourliness, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the sovereignty of countries in the region, and refrain from the use of force, or threatening with it.
Regarding Syria, the Supreme Council expressed deep concern and dismay at the deterioration in the human conditions of the Syrian people as a result of Assad regime insisting on the killings and destruction. The Council urged a political solution to the Syrian crisis, in accordance with the communique of Geneva 1 conference in June 2012, to ensure Syria’s security, stability and territorial integrity and to meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.
On the situation in Palestine and the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Supreme Council stressed that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace can only be achieved by Israel’s complete withdrawal from all Arab territories occupied in 1967, the establishment of the Independent Palestinian State with its capital in East Jerusalem in line with the international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
On Iraq, the Supreme Council welcomed the new Iraqi Government, calling for concerted efforts towards promoting national partnership between the various components of the Iraqi people, so as to contribute to Iraq’s stability and security, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and helps promote trust and build bridges of co-operation in the Gulf region in order to encounter terrorism as a common threat to all.
On Egypt, the Supreme Council reiterated its firm position in support of the Republic of Egypt and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s roadmap, stressing the Council’s full support and stand with the people and Government of Egypt in achieving stability and prosperity. The Council underscored the role of Egypt at Arab and regional levels for the benefit of both the Arab and Islamic countries.
