Riyadh: On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Asa’ad bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs and Personal Representative of His Majesty the Sultan, headed the Sultanate of Oman’s delegation at the Gulf-US Summit held in Riyadh today. In his speech during the summit, HH Sayyid Asa’ad conveyed the greetings of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and his best wishes for the success of the meeting.
According to Oman News Agency, the speech highlighted the importance of Gulf-US relations, emphasizing their long-term strategic nature aimed at establishing security, stability, and prosperity. Sayyid Asa’ad expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for their invitation to the summit and acknowledged the United States for its partnership.
The summit served as a platform to address regional challenges, including the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Sayyid Asa’ad emphasized the need for a just peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state as a solution to regional instability. He also praised the efforts of the United States in facilitating dialogue with the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing hope for a sustainable agreement on nuclear non-proliferation.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reiterated the importance of the historical relationship and strategic partnership between the GCC states and the United States. He highlighted the economic partnership, noting that trade exchange between the two sides reached approximately $120 billion in 2024. The Crown Prince emphasized the aspirations for stability and security in the region, aiming for a comprehensive settlement to the Palestinian cause.
US President Donald Trump commended the GCC states for their stability and prosperity, acknowledging their role in halting the escalation in Gaza. Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Emir of Kuwait, praised Oman’s diplomatic efforts in achieving a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Yemen, contributing to international commercial shipping’s smooth flow.
King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa of Bahrain expressed his desire for enhanced cooperation to establish a safe and stable region. He advocated for a Two-State Solution to ensure a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people. Jassim Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, highlighted the strong Gulf-US partnership and the potential for future cooperation in energy and clean energy sectors.
The summit focused on strengthening the strategic partnership and economic investment between the GCC states and the United States, particularly in technology and artificial intelligence. It also addressed key regional and international security and stability issues.