Speaker underlines importance of Gulf unity for security

Manama: Speaker of the Shura Council H E Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim affirmed the belief of the State of Qatar under the leadership of Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that Gulf unity constitutes a fundamental pillar for preserving the region’s security and stability and for strengthening cooperation to achieve prosperity for its peoples.

Addressing the 19th meeting of the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, held yesterday in the Kingdom of Bahrain,

His Excellency emphasised that the deep-rooted fraternal ties uniting the GCC countries transcend geographical boundaries and immediate interests. These ties are rooted in profound historical, cultural, and social relations, making a shared destiny and common interest a reality, not merely a slogan.

He stressed that the Gulf legislative councils, through their regular meetings and ongoing coordination, have proven themselves to be a powerful voice for this Gulf unity, in addition to their unwavering support for unified Gulf policies and positions on various regional and international issues.

He noted that the continued convening of GCC meetings reflects a shared understanding of the importance of parliamentary coordination and the necessity of unifying positions on major issues affecting the security and stability of the region and the world.

He emphasised that the increasing political, economic, and security challenges make joint parliamentary action a necessity, not an option, and amplify the responsibility to defend the interests of the GCC states and their people, and to solidify the image of unified Gulf cooperation in various international forums.

In his address, the Speaker of the Shura Council touched on the Doha Declaration issued by the Second World Summit for Social Development, hosted by the State of Qatar in November of this year. He highlighted its international call for achieving more equitable and sustainable development based on eradicating poverty and promoting social justice.

He stressed that achieving these goals requires an active role for legislative councils in supporting policies that promote human development and monitoring the implementation of international commitments, thus embodying a genuine partnership between parliaments and governments in serving humanity and enhancing its well-being.

On the regional front, he stressed that Gulf security is indivisible, and that the security of any member state is the security of all.

He then addressed the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip, reaffirming the principled and unwavering stance of supporting the steadfastness of Palestinian people and condemning the crimes committed by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians, which constitute a flagrant violation of all humanitarian and international laws and norms.

In this context, he commended the honourable position of the GCC states in supporting the Palestinian cause and standing with the Palestinian people in Gaza.

He expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the solidarity shown by the GCC member states towards the State of Qatar following the Israeli aggression against its territory, as this solidarity embodies the depth of Gulf unity and the shared position and destiny.

The Speaker of the Shura Council also emphasised the current need to activate the tools of Gulf parliamentary diplomacy and strengthen dialogue and coordination with Arab and Islamic legislative councils to formulate a unified vision that reflects collective positions and supports the goals of the GCC states in achieving security, stability, and sustainable development.

He considered that the strength of the Gulf position in international forums stems from unity and the ability to present a consistent message that reflects the aspirations of the people and defends shared values.