Saudi Crown Prince says unified GCC ‘top priority’, eyes regional prosperity

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman said that the Kingdom seeks to boost the Arab and Islamic cooperation in a way that will reflect positively on the security as well as the prosperity of the GCC.

“We prioritize setting up a unified GCC, in line with the Kingdom’s policies, plans and Vision 2030,” the Crown Prince said during his opening speech at the 41st GCC Summit held today, Jan. 5, 2021.

The GCC member states desperately need to unify their efforts to advance the region and face the challenges that surround them today,” he stated.

Crown Prince also announced that the member states will sign the AlUla Declaration, which emphasizes “solidarity, stability and brotherhood” among the GCC, Arab, and Islamic countries.

Prince Mohammed thanked the United States for its efforts in mediating the rift between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, while highlighting King Salman’s vision as regards strengthening the integration among the GCC countries, which was approved by the Saudi Cabinet in its 36th session.

“We consider, with great thanks and appreciation, the efforts to heal the rift that were previously led by His Highness Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad, and His Highness Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad continued to follow suit,” he said.

“The threats posed by the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, its ballistic missile program, destructive missions, and all of its terrorist and sectarian activities that are aimed at destabilizing the region, pose the biggest challenge to the region,” the Crown Prince said.

The GCC leaders must call on the international community to work together to stop these programs that threaten the security of the region and the world, he added.

Furthermore, the Crown Prince called on other member countries to name this summit as “Summit of Sultan Qaboos and Sheikh Sabah”, in recognition of their great efforts in the region.