MANAMA, Dec. 25 (Xinhua) — Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) leaders on Tuesday stressed the importance to move toward a Gulf Union and the development of a “common defense system” to deal with any threats in the region, saying that any threat on any of the six oil rich Gulf States is regarded as a threat to all.

On the last day of the two-day 33rd GCC Summit in Manama, the leaders discussed several issues of common concern, including the development of their military and defense capabilities, and the Sakhir Declaration was revealed by Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al- Khalifa.

The Declaration underlines the support to strengthen defense, economic and social relations among the Gulf States, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Implementing all the decisions of the Supreme Council on GCC integration in all areas, in particular compliance with the ” timetable for the establishment of the Gulf common market and working to remove impediments to the application of the Customs Union,” the leaders recommended.

Meanwhile, senior Gulf leaders discussed measures to achieve full Gulf citizenship, facilitating economic activity for GCC citizens to broaden cooperation, exchange, economic and social integration.

They also agreed to implement decisions on facilitating and promoting the transfer of national manpower among member states. This could be seen as part of the Gulf Common Market step to open doors for GCC nationals to work and invest in business in neighboring Gulf States.

Other recommendations included enhancing communication between the Shura and National Councils in the member states, supporting national training centers, institutes and universities and opening them to GCC nationals under the same conditions which are applicable to citizens in the concerned country.

A final communique also called on the international community to take action against the massacre in Syria.

Email Story
  Printable View
  Blog Story
  Copy Headline/URL