Saudi Arabia and the 46th Gulf Summit: Strengthening Solidarity and Shared Destiny
The visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister - may God protect him - to the Kingdom of Bahrain to head the Kingdom’s delegation in the work of the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, confirms what is certain in the firm Saudi policy; which is that the Kingdom represents the backbone of joint Gulf action, and the first supporter of the stability of the Gulf system in the face of various challenges.
Historical context and shared destiny
Since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in May 1981, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has played a pivotal role in ensuring the continuity of this entity and developing its mechanisms. The current summit in Manama is of exceptional importance, not only because it is a regular meeting of leaders, but also because it comes at a critical juncture as the Middle East region undergoes dangerous geopolitical and security shifts, requiring the highest levels of coordination and unified positions to protect national achievements and shield the region from the dangers of surrounding conflicts.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques' vision: A roadmap for integration
Saudi Arabia's active participation in the 46th summit is based on the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God protect him, which was endorsed by the leaders of the GCC states in 2015. This vision was not merely a theoretical document, but rather a practical roadmap aimed at moving from cooperation to genuine union and integration. The vision focuses on strengthening joint action through an effective and efficient Gulf system, ensuring the security and military fortification of the GCC states and raising the level of economic prosperity for their citizens.
Political challenges and economic opportunities
The summit coincides with global political and economic challenges, making Saudi diplomacy, led by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, a crucial factor in guiding the Gulf Cooperation Council's direction. His Royal Highness's Gulf tour in 2021 had a profound impact on overcoming obstacles and opening new horizons for integration, resulting in high-level coordination on regional and international issues. Through this summit, the Kingdom seeks to advance vital initiatives, most notably completing the foundations of economic unity, establishing a joint defense and security system, and formulating a unified and effective foreign policy that safeguards the interests of the GCC states and shields them from regional and international conflicts.
Strategic projects that enhance connectivity
On the economic and developmental front, the Kingdom's role is prominent in supporting mega-projects in the Gulf that directly impact the lives of Gulf citizens. Among the most important achievements being built upon at the current summit are:
1. The Gulf Railway Project: This project aims to connect the GCC countries with a rail network, facilitating trade and the movement of people, thus strengthening the concept of a common Gulf market.
2. The Gulf Electrical Interconnection Project: This strategic project ensures energy security and saves member states billions of dollars, with plans to expand the interconnection to include countries outside the GCC.
3. The Customs Union and Common Market: Specialized committees, with Saudi support, continue their work to remove remaining obstacles to ensure the smooth flow of goods and services.
In conclusion, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in line with its political and economic weight, is working to strengthen the strategic partnerships of the Gulf Cooperation Council with major international powers and economic blocs such as the European Union and ASEAN, to ensure that the Gulf voice is heard and influential in international forums, in order to achieve regional and global security and peace.
