Kuwait Hosts 45th GCC Summit Amidst Key Regional Challenges.

KUWAIT: All eyes are set on Kuwait as it prepares to host the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the summit level. The summit will witness the participation of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, alongside the leaders of the GCC countries and the heads of delegations. According to Qatar News Agency, this is the seventh GCC summit hosted by Kuwait since the establishment of the Cooperation Council on May 25, 1981. The summit's agenda emphasizes enhancing joint Gulf action and developing cooperation mechanisms across various sectors, particularly those impacting Gulf citizens. The meeting is set against a backdrop of significant regional and international developments, notably in the Middle East, including the Palestinian territories, Lebanon, and Sudan. These issues necessitate intensified efforts to bolster coordination among GCC countries to support security and stability both regionally and globally. The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers expressed a warm welco me to the GCC leaders and accompanying delegations in a recent weekly meeting, hoping for optimistic outcomes from the summit that will advance the council's objectives and fulfill the aspirations of GCC nations. Prior to the summit, the 162nd GCC Ministerial Meeting was held under the chairmanship of Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. The meeting reviewed reports on the implementation of the 44th Summit's decisions and discussed strategic relations and regional developments. GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of the meeting in enhancing joint Gulf cooperation. Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya highlighted the summit's focus on political and economic issues, strategic partnerships, cyber security, and infrastructure projects like electrical and railway connections within the GCC. In a statement, Qatar's Ambassador to Kuwait, Ali bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud, noted the summit underscores the historical ties among GCC countries and their shared goals . He stressed the geopolitical challenges in the Middle East, particularly the need for a unified stance on Israeli actions in Gaza and geopolitical tensions involving Iran. The final communique of the 44th GCC Summit held in Doha highlighted the progress in implementing King Salman bin Abdulaziz's vision for enhanced GCC cooperation. It called for completing economic unity, joint defense, and security systems, and strategic partnerships globally. The GCC has made strides over four decades, including the establishment of the Gulf Common Market and a free trade zone, contributing to economic integration and cooperation. The GCC's unified identity card has facilitated citizen movement, while joint military initiatives like the Peninsula Shield Forces have strengthened defense capabilities. As a significant economic entity, the GCC continues to play a vital role in global energy markets and investment. The summit aims to further unify political positions and strengthen foreign policy frameworks to ensure regi onal stability and prosperity.