Doha: Al-Arab newspaper affirmed in its Thursday editorial that the State of Qatar’s participation in the proceedings of the 46th Ordinary Session of the GCC Summit, held in Manama, reflected its commitment to supporting the GCC’s progress and enhancing regional cooperation to achieve stability and common prosperity among member states. This is particularly important in light of the current situation and the increasing severity of the challenges and risks facing the region, which require joint coordination to maintain regional security and stability and to advance efforts for a just and comprehensive peace.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspaper pointed out that the efforts exerted by the GCC countries to enhance economic cooperation and integration align with their pursuit of achieving Gulf economic unity. This also aims to strengthen the GCC countries’ position as a leading global center in finance, investment, and economics, as stated during the 69th meeting of the GCC Commercial Cooperation Committee held in Kuwait.
Concluding its editorial, Al-Arab highlighted the announcement by the GCC Statistical Center of a 7.4% increase in the volume of foreign merchandise trade among GCC countries, reaching about USD 1.6 trillion in 2024, compared to USD 1.5 trillion in 2023. This marks the highest level in its history during the 2017-2024 period.
In turn, English-language newspaper The Peninsula noted that the 46th Ordinary Session of the GCC Summit, held in Manama, comes at a critical time for the GCC and the region. Amid regional turmoil and long-running conflicts, the GCC has been an anchor of stability and prosperity.
From Qatar’s perspective, the summit’s outcomes, particularly the Sakhir Declaration, reaffirm the central principle guiding Doha’s regional vision: that the strength, stability, and prosperity of the Gulf are best secured through deeper integration, unity, and cooperation.
The Peninsula further mentioned that the summit’s emphasis on full economic unity through initiatives like completing the GCC Common Market, advancing the Customs Union, and investing in connectivity and technology aligns closely with Qatar’s advocacy for a modern, diversified, and knowledge-driven Gulf economy. The newspaper concluded by emphasizing that the security of GCC states is indivisible, and any infringement upon a member state’s sovereignty threatens their collective security.