Saudi urges Gulf union

Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum arrived in Riyadh on Monday afternoon leading a delegation to take part in the 32nd GCC summit. On arrival he was received by Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Minister for Defence and princes, ministers, senior officials, civilians and military personnel. Sheikh Mohammed and the delegation were welcomed by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. King Abdullah called for the formation of a Gulf union in response to growing challenges. “I ask today that we move from a phase of co-operation to a phase of union within a single entity,” said the Saudi king, addressing his counterparts at the opening of the summit. “You must realise that our security and stability are threatened and we need to live up to our responsibilities,” said King Abdullah. “Our summit opens in the shadow of challenges that require vigilance and a united stance,” he added. The Saudi king urged the Gulf bloc to help their “Arab brothers so that the blood stops flowing and to guard against the risks of foreign intervention.” In addition to Syria, the Gulf leaders will discuss the situation in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. Sheikh Mohammed and King Abdullah exchanged cordial talks during the meeting, which was attended by Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Interior of Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Mohammed said, “It is a pleasure to be here along with the accompanying delegation on the land of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to be among our people in the hospitality of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who will chair the 32nd Summit of the leaders of the GCC states, which we hope will yield positive results and decisions that serve the interests of our countries and the peoples.” “I am pleased to convey to the leaders of the Council, the greetings of their brother President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, as well as his best wishes for the success in making decisions and constructive steps on the road to strengthening the foundations of the GCC so that it will remain a perfect structure which will rise high with its achievements, will remain strong with its powers, cohesive with the determination and wisdom of its leaders and unassailable with the dignity and integration of its peoples.” “We are confident that we will achieve the national aspirations with the wisdom of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, with his broadmindedness and his doubtless keenness on the success of the Summit, on the strengthening of the march of the GCC and the activation of all resolutions adopted in previous summits, definitely with the support and approval of their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries, who are keen to promote all forms of coordination and integration among our countries in all fields and at different levels.” The Vice President is accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and leading Sheikhs and top officials.   Gulf Today .