GCC Summit Adopts Sakhir Declaration for Unity

GCC Summit Adopts Sakhir Declaration for Unity

Why in the News?

The 46th GCC Summit held in Manama concluded with the adoption of the Sakhir Declaration, emphasising greater political, security, and economic integration among Gulf states amid regional tensions, expanding cooperation in security, digital economy, environment, and strategic partnerships. The declaration also highlighted the importance of environmental clearances for regional projects.

GCC Summit Adopts Sakhir Declaration for Unity

Key Outcomes of the 46th GCC Summit:

  • Leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE met at Bahrain’s Sakhir Palace for the 46th GCC Summit, discussing regional cooperation and environmental democracy.
  • The Sakhir Declaration reaffirmed deeper political, economic and security integration within the bloc, emphasizing the need for retrospective environmental clearances for ongoing projects.
  • It reinforced the principle of collective security, stating that any threat to one member is a threat to all, including environmental threats.
  • The declaration rejected foreign interference and any use of force within the region, while promoting environmental jurisprudence.
  • GCC leaders reiterated support for the two-state solution for Palestine, humanitarian aid, and Gaza reconstruction, considering environmental impact assessments for rebuilding efforts.

Strategic, Economic and Technological Cooperation

  • Emphasis on strengthening the GCC Common Market and Customs Union to boost trade and tourism, with a focus on sustainable development and pollution free environment.
  • Calls to enhance regional digital infrastructure, including e-commerce systems and digital payment networks, subject to environmental clearances.
  • Adoption of joint initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technological innovation, adhering to the precautionary principle.
  • Strong focus on sustainability, climate action, emission reduction, and clean energy development, in line with coastal regulation zone guidelines.
  • Collective pledge to protect environmental, natural, and marine resources across the Gulf region, reinforcing the polluter pays principle.

Security, Regional Affairs and International Engagement

  • Leaders agreed to intensify cooperation against terrorism, extremism and organised crime, while promoting environmental democracy.
  • Approval of enhanced joint naval security, with Bahrain being the operational hub, considering coastal regulation zone regulations.
  • Reiterated commitment to a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and WMDs, emphasizing the importance of environmental impact assessments in disarmament efforts.
  • Summit expressed full support for Bahrain’s upcoming UN Security Council role (Arab Group representation), highlighting the need for global environmental jurisprudence.
  • Italian PM Giorgia Meloni participated in bilateral dialogues that ended with a plan for a comprehensive strategic partnership, including cooperation on environmental clearances.

About Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC):
● Founded: 1981
● Members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE
● Objectives: Political coordination, economic integration, collective security, and cultural cooperation, with a growing focus on environmental democracy.
● Key Institutions:
○ Supreme Council (highest authority)
○ Ministerial Council
○ Secretariat-General
● Key Security Focus: Counterterrorism, maritime security, and ensuring stability in the Gulf, while adhering to environmental clearances.
● Major Economic Projects: GCC Common Market, Customs Union, integration of energy and transport networks, all subject to environmental impact assessments.