His Highness the Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said on Sunday that "malicious media campaigns" will never succeed in unraveling the impenetrable bond shared by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
Such efforts would be rendered futile given the bloc's unyielding determination to remain united, he said amid annual talks bringing together leaders from across the Gulf region.
As the 39th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit kicked off in the Saudi capital, His Highness the Kuwaiti Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah thanked the host nation for organizing the meeting.
This year's gathering holds much significance given the mounting challenges facing the Gulf region, His Highness the Amir said in his speech, pointing out that the talks come after a spate of ministerial-level meetings held throughout the year.
"We are cognizant of the enormity of the challenges that lie ahead, chief among them the lingering diplomatic crisis, which only behooves us to remain united and work as a cohesive unit," His Highness the Kuwaiti Amir went on to say.
On other perennial concerns, he said terrorism continues to be a grave threat, urging the international community to do everything in its power to rid the world of the scourge.
His Highness the Amir also spoke of "humanitarian disasters" that are unfolding around the region, naming Yemen and Iraq as examples, hoping for definitive solutions to these conflicts.
Regarding Iraq, His Highness the Amir congratulated Baghdad on a successful political transition, wishing the war-torn nation the best of luck as it begins the reconstruction process.
His Highness the Amir called for an early resumption of peace talks, hoping that a comprehensive and permanent deal would be reached according to relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Concerning Iran, His Highness the Amir reiterated that relations with Iran are based on UN principles, mainly non-interference in states' internal affairs, respect of their sovereignty and commitment to good neighborliness rules. (Pick up previous) nam