By Kholoud Al-Enezi MANAMA, Dec 3 (KUNA) -- Bahrain is hosting the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit on Wednesday, bringing together leaders, showing their commitment to bolster unity as the region undergoes rapid political, security and economic developments.
The Summit convenes, with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah partaking, along with other GCC leaders, reflecting their support for Joint Gulf Cooperation and their efforts to enhance the Council's capabilities as well as address key regional shifts, following preparatory meetings and high-level consultations.
The summit, will underscore the need for a united Gulf stance and deeper coordination to confront current challenges, shape shared visions for regional security, and reinforce integration across various sectors.
Ahead of the leaders' meeting, Manama is hosting a series of coordination sessions bringing together foreign ministers and senior officials from ministerial and technical committees to address key issues and prepare joint recommendations for the summit, ensuring cohesive decisions and future directions that safeguard GCC interests.
The ministerial meeting of GCC foreign ministers will see Kuwait hand over the ministerial presidency to Bahrain for a one-year term.
A broad set of political, security and economic files will be presented to the summit, requiring coordinated Gulf efforts to navigate regional dynamics and strengthen solidarity and collective action.
Regional security is expected to top the agenda, particularly amid heightened tensions across the region, which call for deeper Gulf cooperation to safeguard maritime routes, protect vital infrastructure, and advance joint defense mechanisms, in addition to reviewing Red Sea developments and their impact on Gulf security.
The Palestinian cause remains a priority, with leaders set to reaffirm the GCC's position in support of de-escalation in Gaza, protection of civilians, pursuit of a just and comprehensive solution, enhancement of humanitarian aid, and coordination of relief initiatives for the Palestinian people.
Economically, discussions will address Gulf integration amid global transformations, including development of GCC interconnection projects, boosting intra-GCC trade and shared investments, advancing digital economy frameworks, strengthening cybersecurity, and diversifying income sources to support sustainable economic growth, energy and food security.
Established in 1981, the 46th summit builds on the GCC's longstanding cooperative framework, to deepen political, economic, and security coordination since its inception.
It also, marks the eighth summit hosted by Bahrain, reflecting on its active role within the GCC and its consistent commitment to supporting Gulf unity, and conducting a successful high-level consultations among member states. (end) kne.sar