Terrorism on agenda as GCC summit opens in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI - Terrorism was high on the agenda of the two-day six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit that began here late Monday.

Addressing the opening session of the 31st summit of the GCC, the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah condemned the terrorist acts in Saudi Arabia and voiced solidarity with Riyadh in the fight against all types of terrorism.

Sheikh Sabah said the GCC countries have rejected all kinds of terrorism and condemned all terrorist actions plotted and carried out in Saudi Arabia.

A suicide bomber last year injured a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family in charge of anti-terrorism efforts. The bombing took place when Prince Mohammed bin Nayef was receiving guests at a traditional Ramadan gathering at his house in Jeddah.

While Sheikh Sabah regretted the stalled peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis, he called on the parties concerned, specially the US and the international community, to force Israel to halt the settlement activities, and implement UN resolutions for peace.

He asked Iran to take steps to end the occupation of the three United Arab Emirates (UAE) islands - Greater and Lesser Tonbs and Abu Moussa.

Sheikh Sabah complimented Qatari Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani for winning the bid to host the World Cup 2022, saying it is a “sport achievement not only for Qatar but the entire Gulf countries and Arab countries”.

Earlier, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan inaugurated the summit at the Emirates Palace here.

Welcoming the leaders of GCC states, Sheikh Khalifa said: “In the name of god I declare the opening of the 31st GCC summit. Peace, mercy and blessings of god be upon you.”

“I am pleased to welcome you in your second home country, the UAE, and wish success for this meeting.”

GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah will be succeeded by Abdullatif Rashed Al-Zayyani of Bahrain next April.

The GCC was set up by an agreement concluded May 25, 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia among Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE because of their special ties, geographic proximity, similar political systems based on Islamic belief and common political and strategic objectives.

The summit is being held in Abu Dhabi, the country’s largest of seven emirates with over 1.6 million residents.