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Riyadh-held Gulf Summit is of "utmost importance," says GCC chief

Gulf Cooperation Council chief Abdullatif Al-Zayani
Gulf Cooperation Council chief Abdullatif Al-Zayani
RIYADH, Dec 6 (KUNA) -- The upcoming Riyadh-hosted Gulf Cooperation Council Summit is of "utmost importance," Gulf Cooperation Council chief Abdullatif Al-Zayani underlined on Thursday, as its 39th session will discuss joint action, regional developments and global reactions to current political affairs.
These meetings do much to add "crucial achievements that ensure the intent of its leaders to move forward in bolstering the bloc and strengthening its unity and integration," GCC Secretary General Al-Zayani told Saudi Press Agency.
Speaking about the role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques on this, he said it stems from his wise leadership and his commitment to boosting the multi-lateral relations, achievements, security and stability of the bloc.
The regional bloc has already made great achievements on the "political, security, defence-related, economic and social spectrums," he highlighted.
And Gulf leaders are committed to "doubling these efforts, bolstering their cooperation and boosting the GCC's prominent status on the regional and global scales." The Riyadh-held talks will discuss several topics in relation to joint action, mainly on "political, economic, security-related and legal aspects, in addition to developments in the region and current political affairs and international reactions to these affairs." The leaders will shed light on economic integration, added Al-Zayani, pointing out to the importance of establishing a GCC Common Market.
The move would encourage "economic citizenship," he explained, granting GCC nationals equal rights in mobility, ownership, employment and the pursuit of business and profession as well as access to healthcare, education and social services.
As for the already-established GCC Customs Union, he said it led to an increase in joint trade to around USD 133 billion in 2017.
The GCC has also been able to expand its relations with international partners through strategic dialogue and productive action plans, he mentioned.
"Today, it stands as a crucial and effective partnership on the regional and international stages as it assumes a productive role in strengthening the region's security and stability as well as stabilising the global economy," added the GCC chief. (pickup previous) mdm.sd