Saudi’s King Salman invites GCC leaders for group summit in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has formally invited leaders from across the Gulf states for the 41st GCC Summit set to be held in Riyadh on January 5, 2021.

He has delegated GCC secretary general Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf to invite the GCC leaders, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

In the UAE, Vice President and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also Ruler of Dubai, received the invite from Al Hajraf on behalf of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday.

During a meeting in Dubai, the leaders discussed ways to advance cooperation, coordination and solidarity between the GCC states to achieve comprehensive integration at various levels, especially the economy, security, defence and other areas.

“The commitment by Gulf leaders to hold the summit on an annual basis, and especially in these exceptional times, is a testament to the strength of the GCC, to their belief in their duty to the people of the Gulf, and their devotion to increasing cooperation and integration among member countries,” Al Hajraf said in a statement.

“Today, as the GCC enters its fifth decade with a global pandemic in the backdrop, the institution’s mission to facilitate trade and economic integration among member states is more relevant than at any time in its history.

“The GCC remains focused on meeting the ambitions of the Gulf people, increasing integration, interconnectedness, and trade among member states and the international community. I am grateful to… the leaders of the GCC states, for their tireless efforts to further strengthen Gulf cooperation,” he added.