The 34th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit

  The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established on May 25, 1981. The GCC comprises six Gulf Arab countries: the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.

The GCC brought about inter-connection integration, coordination and cooperation among these six member states. The aims of the council are to reinforce relations between member states, draft the same regulations on economic, financial, trade, tourism, custom and administrative subjects in member states, make progress in the areas of industry, agriculture, water and stockbreeding, and establish scientific research centers.

The 34th GCC summit started on Dec. 10 and ended on Dec. 11. The meeting took place in Kuwait. During the summit, member states discussed economic integration, relations with Iran and issues relating to Palestine, Egypt and Syria. The member states concluded the 34th GCC summit with important decisions. The summit's communiqué contained all these decisions which were taken by member states.

The decisions which were taken by member states during the summit are as follows:

-Member states do not accept the continued Iranian occupation of the three UAE islands of Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb. All member states focused on this issue and support the UAE's sovereignty over these islands. Member states reaffirmed “the grounds that any decisions or practices or acts carried out by Iran on the three islands are null and void and do not change anything of historical facts and the legal right to collect on the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands.”

-In order to integrate the financial markets of the member states, a number of unified rules were also confirmed.

-The leaders of member states mentioned the establishment of a GCC railway project set to be operational by 2018.

-All member states of the GCC were pleased with the new stand taken by the leadership of Iran towards GCC states. During the meeting, member states said they “hoped that such tendencies would be followed by tangible steps that will reflect positively on peace, security and stability in the region.”

During the summit, the GCC states spoke about supporting young entrepreneurs' projects. In order to develop the abilities of GCC youth, member states want to establish a program for youths. In addition, member states want to encourage the contribution of GCC youth to humanitarian work and support the spirit of leadership and values which also reinforce the identity of the GCC.

The GCC states also censured the Syrian regime's acts against Syrian people. Also, they want to safely send humanitarian aid to Syrians.

The member states also emphasized on the significance of good closer neighborly relations between Iran and GCC countries. In addition, they stressed that neither side should intervene in internal issues, and they should respect the sovereignty of countries in the region. Both sides should stay away from the use of force and threats.

The signing of a preliminary agreement between P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) countries and Iran in Geneva in November was welcomed by GCC countries. This situation would end regional and international anxieties about Iran's nuclear program.

The member states also emphasized the significance of joint cooperation that serves GCC countries and people. In addition, they focused on the development and growth of GCC economies and in various fields.

The GCC countries were also pleased with efforts by the US over the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations that will lead to the setting up of an independent Palestinian state with occupied Jerusalem as its capital.

They declared their support for the Egyptian people and their choice of democracy. The member states also wanted to support the Egypt economy so that Egypt can regain its role in the region.

In the summit, member states discussed the establishment of unified GCC military. Therefore, states asked the Joint Defense Council to take important implementation measures to this effect.

The GCC countries also focused on the significance of Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, the SNC was noted as a legitimate representative of the Syrian people. Lastly, the member states “praised Saudi Arabia's position in reforming the UN Security Council so as to enhance its role in resolving issues at the international level.”

All these decisions which were discussed during the summit reflect the vision and demands of GCC countries and their leaders. These decisions will help to develop economic, military, social cooperation and relations between GCC members. In addition, these decisions will also improve the position of GCC member states both in the region and in the international arena.