Saudi Arabia hosts Gulf leaders for historic meeting

Gulf Cooperation Council Leaders Meet in Saudi Arabia Amid Regional Crisis

Leaders from six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries gathered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for an emergency summit on Tuesday. The meeting brought together representatives from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to discuss regional developments and coordinate responses.

Upon arrival, GCC leaders were greeted by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to images released by Saudi state media. The summit focused on discussing various topics, including regional and international issues, as well as efforts to respond to these challenges.

Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani stated that the meeting embodied “the unified Gulf stance” towards the ongoing conflict in the region. He emphasized the need for intensified coordination to pursue a diplomatic path forward, aiming to preserve regional security and stability.

The talks took place as the US considers an Iranian proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway that has been closed during the conflict. The GCC countries have stressed the importance of reopening the strait, which carries one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The UAE recently announced its decision to withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+ to focus on “national interests.” This move has had a significant impact on the oil-exporting groups. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautioned against the possibility of a “frozen conflict” in the Gulf, emphasizing the need for caution and vigilance.

The meeting comes as attacks on GCC states have subsided since the US and Iran entered a ceasefire on April 8. However, Gulf countries remain wary of resumed conflict, with a permanent deal between the US and Iran to end the war remaining elusive.

Source: Al Jazeera