Final statement of the Gulf Summit in Doha
The final statement of the 44th Gulf Summit in Doha affirmed the profound gratitude of the Supreme Council of the GCC for the dedicated efforts made by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik Al Said during Oman's presidency of the 43rd session and for the important achievements accomplished.
The Supreme Council said it hopes for an end to the escalation in Gaza and the targeting and forced displacement of Palestinian civilians. It said the aim is for a complete cessation of the war on Gaza, ending the siege imposed on the Strip and alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. It said the international community must take responsibility and deal with this issue without double standards.
The Doha Declaration said that the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council was briefed on the full, accurate, and continuous implementation of the components of economic unity and joint defence and security systems. It highlighted the importance of coordinating positions to enhance the solidarity and stability of the Council's member states, to preserve their interests, to avoid regional and international conflicts and to fulfil the aspirations of their citizens.
The Council expressed satisfaction with the steps taken to achieve integration among the Council's member states. It directed the relevant authorities of member states, the General Secretariat, and the ministerial and technical committees to redouble their efforts to complete the requirements of the customs union and finalise the establishment of the common Gulf market, in accordance with the Council's previous decisions.
The final statement confirmed the adoption by the Supreme Council of fundamental principles regarding energy transition and security, economic development and climate change. These include continuing sustainable investment in hydrocarbon resources to maintain global energy market stability, considering technological developments and adopting a circular carbon economy approach as a comprehensive and integrated method to address the challenges posed by greenhouse gas emissions.
The Doha Declaration also warned that unless the Israeli aggression stops, there is a risk of confrontations in Palestine expanding and of the conflict spreading to other areas in the Middle East. It warned that this could lead to severe consequences for the region's peoples and for international peace and security. It reaffirmed the call from the Gulf Cooperation Council's leaders for international intervention to stop the conflict and protect Palestinian civilians.
The Declaration also expressed the Council's concern about increasing manifestations of racism and hatred against Arabs and Muslims especially in countries where anti-Islamic rhetoric has reached dangerous levels. It said that incidents of burning the Holy Quran and rising targeted attacks against Arabs and Muslims have led to a negative political climate in international relations.
To read the full English text of the Final Statement of the 44th GCC Summit in Doha click here.
This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.