Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah emphasised that the relationship between the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and the United States has evolved over decades into a strong strategic partnership that extends beyond security to include co-operation in various fields.

Speaking at the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh, Sheikh Meshal noted the summit is taking place amid complex international circumstances, marked by escalating crises, conflicts, and unconventional challenges that transcend national borders. He commended the GCC’s unified stance in supporting the region’s security and stability, expressing gratitude to US President Donald Trump for his continued commitment to engaging with GCC leaders to strengthen co-operation based on mutual partnership and a shared vision for a future of peace, stability, and development.

The Amir of Kuwait emphasised the economy as a central pillar in Gulf-US relations, expressing optimism about launching joint initiatives in smart infrastructure investment, innovation, entrepreneurship, fair trade, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He praised the strong investment ties between the United States and GCC nations, particularly Kuwait, and expressed hope for further expansion of strategic investments.

Sheikh Meshal reaffirmed the unity of the GCC in maintaining firm positions in defence of regional and global security, rejecting any actions that could destabilise the region, threaten sovereignty, or undermine territorial integrity and natural resources.

He proposed establishing a Gulf-US forum for cultural and educational dialogue to support academic exchanges, joint research, youth empowerment, and the promotion of tolerance and cultural understanding.

Regarding regional issues, Sheikh Meshal expressed hope that the summit would serve as a gateway to addressing pressing concerns in the Middle East, particularly the stalled peace process. He stressed the need for a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, ensuring the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Diplomatic effortsHe also underscored the importance of international efforts to ensure Syria’s security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while ending external interference and alleviating humanitarian suffering. The Kuwaiti Amir welcomed Oman’s diplomatic efforts, which led to a ceasefire agreement in Yemen, expressing hope that the truce would secure free navigation and smooth international trade flow. Additionally, he commended US efforts in resolving global conflicts, including mediating ceasefires between India and Pakistan and working toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Concluding his speech, Sheikh Meshal emphasised the GCC’s belief that regional stability is a shared responsibility, affirming that the partnership with the United States remains a cornerstone in maintaining security and prosperity in the region.

King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah has affirmed the depth and importance of the strategic partnership between the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and the United States. Addressing the GCC-US Summit held in Riyadh Wednesday, King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah praised US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic vision and approach aimed at promoting peace and resolving conflicts, as fully consistent with that launched by Arab leaders at the Bahrain Summit in May 2024.

He commended Trump’s decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria, expressing his aspiration for further co-operation to achieve a safe, stable, and prosperous region. This policy represents a unique opportunity to move together toward achieving a just and lasting peace that guarantees the rights of the Palestinian people through a two-state solution, preserves regional security and stability, and contributes to making the region free of weapons of mass destruction, thus preventing an arms race.

King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifah highlighted the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s role in proposing and supporting peace initiatives and defusing wars, perhaps the most important of which recently was the ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. He hailed the GCC-US strategic integration to achieve security and development as a key pillar for preserving achievements and fulfilling people’s aspirations for a more prosperous and flourishing future.

Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Co-operation Affairs and Special Representative of the Sultan of Oman Asaad bin Tariq al-Said has affirmed that GCC-US relations are a long-term strategy, and aim for laying the foundations of security, stability, and prosperity. In his address to the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh, the Omani Deputy Prime Minister added that GCC-US relations are embodied in a shared commitment to achieving integration and mutual co-operation in political, economic, technological, and defence interests, and working together to resolve regional and international crises and challenges.

Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq al-Said expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, resulting from decades of Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. He said that this ongoing injustice, coupled with the international community’s inability to achieve a just peace, was at the heart of many regional challenges.

Historic stepsHe maintained that there was a glimmer of hope given historic steps taken towards establishing peace and stability in the region. He expressed Oman’s appreciation for the role played by the US President in ending the conflict in Yemen and restoring safe navigation in the Red Sea. The GCC-US partnership stands on solid ground and is manifested across areas of trade, investment, education, energy, and defence, said GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi.

Addressing the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh, al-Budaiwi added that 10 working groups are overseeing this partnership. The GCC states continue to lead in traditional energy markets and are moving forward with pioneering partnerships with the US in the fields of clean energy and environmental innovation, he added.

Al-Budaiwi elaborated that such relations are strengthened by the presence of tens of thousands of GCC students in American universities and the spread of American academic branches in the region, in addition to deep-rooted defence relations embodied by qualitative deals and shared bases, making this partnership a unique model of multidimensional strategic integration.

The Secretary-General reiterated the GCC states’ steadfast position in supporting the Palestinian people and supporting them at all levels. US President Donald Trump stated during the Gulf-US Summit in Riyadh on Wednesday that the United States supports all regional efforts aimed at securing a future for the Palestinian people.

He also affirmed his administration’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria and highlighted Lebanon’s opportunity to build a prosperous state at peace with its neighbours. Trump emphasised the Gulf countries’ leadership role in fostering stability and prosperity in the Middle East, stating that the whole world is watching the Middle East, and many observe with admiration the opportunities emerging in this region. He stressed that Gulf nations are at the forefront of establishing a peaceful and prosperous Middle East, adding that he has seen this prosperity, witnessed great unity and friendship, and spent time engaging with leaders before this summit. He also said that the world is watching the Middle East, and many admire the opportunities available in this region.