Riyadh: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday took part in the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh where US President Barack Obama said Washington will deter and confront aggression against the Gulf states, which continue to have concerns about threats from Iran.
The Emir hailed the success and the positive outcomes of the summit, also attended by the other GCC leaders, at Diriyah Palace in Riyadh.
“I reaffirmed the policy of the United States to use all elements of our power to secure our core interests in the Gulf region and to deter and confront external aggression against our allies and our partners,” news agencies quoted Obama as saying, after the meeting.
“Even with the nuclear deal we recognise collectively that we continue to have serious concerns about Iranian behaviour,” he added.
Admitting the differences with Gulf states, Obama said, “What is true between the United States and the GCC, as is true with all of our allies and friends is that at any point of time there are going to be differences.”
He said the US and its Gulf allies were united in the war against Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) extremist militia.
“We remain united in our fight to destroy ISIL or Daesh which is a threat to all of us,” Obama told reporters, after the meeting.
He said the GCC countries pledged to increase their contributions to battling ISIL, which controls large territories in Syria and the neighbouring Iraq.
“We will continue to support Iraq as it liberates and stabilises towns and cities from ISIL control,” he said,
The summit also discussed the conflicts in Syria, Yemen, Libya and Iraq.
Speaking on behalf of the GCC leaders at the end of the summit, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia thanked Obama for attending “the constructive and fruitful” summit “which will contribute to strengthening dialogue and cooperation between GCC states and the US”.
King Salman praised the “constructive discussions and outcomes of these discussions” which, he said, indicate that “GCC states are keen and committed to developing the historical and strategic relations with the US, serving the joint interests, security, peace in the region and the world.”
The Emir, along with the leaders of the other GCC states and Obama, also attended the closing session of the summit. The Emir attended a working luncheon hosted by King Salman for the GCC leaders and Obama.
Saudi Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Prince Mohammed bin Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and members of GCC delegations were present.
Ahead of the summit, the Emir met Obama and discussed regional and international issues, including international efforts to combat terrorism, cooperation between Qatar and the US and prospects for advancing them in all fields.
They also reviewed the latest developments in the Middle East, especially in Yemen, Libya and Syria and the two countries’ firm positions with regards the renunciation of violence, extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
They also stressed the importance of continuing and strengthening international efforts to combat these phenomena and scourges.
The Emir returned home after taking part in the GCC-Moroccan Summit and the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh.
The Emir and his delegation were seen off at King Khalid International Airport by Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs Engineer Abdul Latif bin Abdul Malik Al Sheikh, Head of the Honorary accompanying delegation, Qatari Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani and Qatari embassy staff.
The Emir sent a cable to King Salman, expressing sincere thanks and appreciation for the warm welcome and generous hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.
The Emir also praised King Salman’s benevolent efforts and big role in the success of the GCC-Moroccan Summit and the GCC-US Summit and reaching significant positive results, wishing him good health and wellness and the Saudi people further progress and prosperity under his wise leadership.
The Peninsula & Agencies
