Wed, Jan 06, 2021
News Summary Report EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Al-Ula Statement – Return of Joint Work to Normalcy
GCC Summit in its 41st round “Sultan Qabos and Sheikh Sabah Summit” stressed on the noble objectives of the GCC Council, which sets forth on achieving cooperation, connection and integration among GCC countries in all fields till reaching its unity and enhancing its regional and international role, and also working as a united economic and political group to contribute to achieving security, peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Al-Ula statement, which has been reached in the Summit stressed on achieving the hopes and aspirations of the citizens of the region by return of joint work to its normalcy; and enhancing friendliness among peoples of the region. It stressed that Egypt’s signature on the statement enhances brotherly relationships that connect Egypt with the GCC countries.
It added that the novel COVID-19 challenge showed what could be achieved through cooperation among countries of the world for facing this Pandemic. The 20th Group managed to achieve unprecedented achievements in this field during the leadership of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Further, the statement adds that facing the pandemic and handling its repercussions requires enhancing joint GCC work, and especially the full and accurate implementation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, which was approved by the Supreme Council in its round No. (36)/2015 according to a specific time schedule, including completion of the requirements of economic unity as well as the joint defense and security and a united foreign policy.
Moreover, the statement stressed on activating the role of the GCC Center for Control of Diseases, which has been established in this summit based on the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to coordinate the joint GCC work to face COVID-19 Pandemic and other pandemics. Moreover, it calls to engage the business sector and civil society organizations, women and youth
empowerment in the economic development, and promotion of initiatives associated with the digital economy; and assigning the secretariat general of the council to follow up and set plans and programs to implement this in cooperation with the specialized experience houses.
The statement called to develop the technical capabilities in the government apparatuses, including artificial intelligence to ensure speed and efficiency of implementing services, and procedures, and developing educational syllabuses, healthcare, digital trade and enhancing cooperation between the council’s organizations and the digital cooperation organization that was established in 2020. This is made to achieve the interests of the GCC countries; enhance tools of governance, transparency, accountability, integrity and anti-corruption through joint GCC work. It also called to implement what has been agreed upon in the 20th Group, and Riyadh Initiative regarding cooperation in investigations in border crossing corruption crimes as they have a great impact on economic growth, sustainable development and reciprocal trust between governments and peoples.
The statement also stressed on enhancing military integration between the GCC countries under the supervision of the joint defense council, the supreme military panel, and the united military leadership to face novel challenges based on the joint defense agreement and the principle of collective security of the GCC countries.
The most significant points of the Closing Statement of the Summit
Stressing on the attitudes of the GCC Council that rejects foreign interference in the internal affairs of Arab countries from any entity, and the necessity of stopping any provocative actions by stirring disputes,
Stressing on respect of the principle of sovereignty, non-interference, and respect of countries’ privacy based on the international treaties, traditions and laws, which organize relations among countries,
Renewal of the attitudes of the GCC council that rejects any threat to any member country, stressing that security of countries of the council is integral part of security of the GCC Council.
Hailing Qatar’s preparations to host the World Cup 2022; and renewal of support of GCC countries to achieve success for this Mondeal,
Showing comfort to progress achieved in the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to enhance and activate the joint GCC work, which are approved by the supreme council in the round of 2015,
Assigning the Secretariat General to refer a comprehensive report of the upcoming round regarding what has been achieved, and providing proposals to overcome obstacles,
Instructions to continue transition efforts from the cooperation phase to the unity phase, and assigning the ministerial council, and chief of the competent authority to resume the necessary procedures,
Continue to support and encourage small and medium sized organizations based on a belief of its vital role and its contributions in the economies of the GCC countries,
Changing the name “Joint Jazeera Shield Forces” into “the United Military Leadership of the GCC countries”,
Supporting the joint military integration efforts to achieve the collective security of the GCC countries, and showing comfort to the steps of activating the action of the united military leadership,
Stressing on the fixed attitudes towards terrorism and extremism, and denouncing it with all its forms; and working to halt all its sources of finance,
Renewal of the attitudes of the GCC countries that reject foreign interferences in the internal affairs of Arab countries from any country whatsoever,
Support the permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people on all occupied Palestinian lands since June 1967, and establishing the independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital,
Stressing on the steadfast attitudes and the previous decisions regarding denouncing the occupation of Iran of three islands (Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Mousa), which are related to the UAE and support the right of UAE sovereignty on them,
Total rejection of the continuous Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the GCC countries and the region, and denouncing all terrorism actions undertaken by Iran, and its feeding of sectorial disputes and support of armed militia, which spread chaos in several Arab countries,
Welcoming the decision of the USA of classifying the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization,
Supporting the legitimate government in Yemen to end the crisis, and reach a political settlement pursuant to the GCC initiative; the outputs of the Comprehensive National Dialogue; and the Security Council Decision No.
2216.
Stressing the steadfast attitudes regarding the Syrian crisis; the political solutions based on Geneva principles (Geneva 1); and the UNSC decision No. 2254,
Supporting the UNSC decision No. 2107/2013 regarding transfer of the file of lost people, Kuwaiti possessions, and the National Archieve to the UNAMI for follow-up
Supporting Egypt’s security and stability, and commending its efforts in enhancing Arab national security and peace in the region.
Al-Rai
“The Solidarity Agreement” Reflects Keenness on Unity of Our Nation: HH the Amir
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad commended the historical achievement by inking “Al-Ula Statement”. He considers keeping this statement means “keenness of the unity of our nation”. Further, he recalled the sincere and constructive role exerted by the late Amir His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad who contributed greatly in the success of this agreement.
Meanwhile, HH the Amir hailed and appreciated the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its wise leadership for its initiative of naming the present summit as
“Sultan Qabos and Sheikh Sabah Summit” in his word yesterday in the 41st Round of the Supreme Council of the GCC countries in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a sign of appreciation for the efforts of the late leaders and their years in serving the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations as well as the global and humanitarian issues.
Further, he lauded keenness of the leaders of the GCC countries and Egypt for
“exerting more efforts to achieve the best interests of our people” expressing high appreciation for the efforts of the US President and Senior US advisor Jared Kushner.
His Highness considered that maintaining the solidarity agreement as continuity for our keenness on unity of our nation.
The following is the word of His Highness the Amir:
“In the Name of Allah the Most Merciful”, Your Highness Sheikh Tamim Ben Hamad Al-Thani Amir of the State of Qatar; Your Royal Highness Amir Mohammed bin Salman the Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Leaders and representatives of the GCC countries and the Arab Republic of Egypt. Your Excellency, the General Secretary of Arab GCC countries. I would be delighted at the outset of my word to thank the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and the government and people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their excellent reception, hospitality, preparation, and distinguished organization for this summit. I hail keenness of all leaders to hold this meeting to be able together to support the joint GCC and Arab work and to keep our gains and achieve the hopes and aspirations of our peoples.
I congratulate all of you for our historical achievement in announcing today that we have inked Al-Ula statement. Meanwhile, I recall the sincere and constructive role exerted by the late Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in this regard, who has significantly contributed in the success of this agreement.
Further, I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts that have been exerted to achieve this noble aim by all brothers, His Excellency the US President Doland Trump and US Senior Advisor Jared Kushner. I would like to hail their efforts supporting this agreement, and I commend keenness of the leaders of the GCC and the Arab Republic of Egypt for exerting more efforts to achieve the best interest of our peoples.
Further, I would like to welcome His Excellency Foreign Minister Sameh Shukry of Egypt lauding the significant role of the Egyptian leadership and its supporting attitudes for the issues that are of importance for the security and stability of the region.
I would like also to welcome His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Arab League Mr. Ahmad Abu Al-Ghait, and His Excellency the Secretary-General of
Islamic Cooperation Organization Dr. Yousef Ben Ahmad Al-Othaimen, and I would like to thank them for attending this blessed summit.
I would like also to express my appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its wise leadership for its initiative of naming (Sultan Qabos and Sheikh Sabah) on this present summit as a sign of appreciation for the efforts exerted by the late leaders and their years of service of the issues of the Arab and Islamic nations, and the international and humanitarian issues.
Naming our statement today as “Solidarity agreement” embodies our keenness on it and our belief in its importance. Further, it reflects our belief that keeping it is a continuity of our keenness on unity and solidarity of our Arab nation.
To close, I would like to thank you all and I would like to thank His Excellency the Secretary General and the Secretariat-General for their efforts in preparing this round. We pray for God to keep our nations and achieve prosperity for our peoples.
Al-Rai,
The Solidarity Agreement is a Historical Achievement: His Highness the Amir
Al-Ula Summit hosted by Saudi Arabia succeeded to achieve GCC- Arab reconciliation after leaders and representatives of the GCC and Egypt on Al-Ula statement with US, Arab and Islamic attendance.
His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad hailed in his word during the Summit the historical achievement of inking “Al-Ula statement”. He stressed that naming it “the Solidarity Agreement” embodies “our keenness on it and our belief in its importance. Furthermore, it reflects our belief that keeping it means our keenness on solidarity and unity of our Arab nation”.
His Highness the Amir recalled the sincere and constructive role of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, who contributed greatly in achieving success for this agreement. Moreover, His Highness voiced appreciation for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its wise leadership for the generous initiative of naming it
(Sultan Qabos and Sheikh Sabah Summit) as a sign of appreciation for the efforts of the late.
Al-Rai,
ECONOMY
Kuwait Oil Price Down $ Two to $ 50.75 pb – KPC
The price of Kuwaiti oil went down by $ two to $ 50.75 per barrel (pb) on Tuesday after being at $ 52.75 pb a day before, said Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) Wednesday.
Globally, the price of Brent crude went up by $ 2.11 to $ 53.60 pb, the same case with the West Texas Intermediate, which increased by $ 2.31 to $ 49.93 pb.
KUNA
DOMESTIC AFFAIRS
Kuwait Government Doesn’t Attend Parliament’s Session – Speaker
National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim said Wednesday’s session would not be held because the government was not attending.
‘The government has officially notified me it will not attend today’s session, therefore, the sitting will be lifted in line with Article 116 of the Constitution”, Al-Ghanim said in remarks at the session.
Article 116 states that Prime Minister and Ministers shall be given the floor whenever they ask for it. They may call for assistance upon any senior officials or depute them to speak on their behalf. The Assembly may ask for a Minister to be present whenever a matter relating to his ministry is under discussion. The Cabinet shall be represented in the sittings of the assembly by the Prime Minister or by some Ministers.
KUNA
Sources:
KUNA: http://www.kuna.net.kw/Default.aspx?language=en
Al Rai: http://www.alraimedia.com/
Kuwait Times: http:/36Y5/www.news.kuwaittimes.net/website/
Arab Times: http://www.arabtimesonline.com/news/
MEED: http://www.meed.com/
Al Anbaa: http://www.alanba.com.kw/newspaper
Al-Seyassa : http://al-seyassah.com/
Al-Anbaa: https://www.alanba.com.kw/newspaper/
77777 Al-Jareeda: http://www.aljarida.com/
