FM criticizes Qatari reservation about GCC Summit final statement

Manama, June 2 (BNA): The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, affirmed that the participation of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the two emergency GCC and Arab summits, as well as the 14th Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), held recently in Makkah at the invitation and patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, reflects the solid brotherly relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He added that the participation stems from HM the King's belief in the pivotal and strategic role of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in leading Arab and Islamic joint action to achieve prosperity and face all threats, praising the Saudi regional and international importance and commitment to protect its allies under all circumstances. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that the three summits fulfilled their objectives, which is evident in their outcomes that reflect the positions and common will of the Arab and Islamic states to continue their efforts to overcome all challenges and attempts of other states to interfere in the internal affairs of the region, which constitute a blatant disregard for laws, conventions and principles of good neighborliness. He added that such attempts aimed at undermining national security and obstructing the efforts exerted to achieve further progress and prosperity to the people of the region. As for the participation of the State of Qatar in the summits, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that its participation was minimal and ineffective, adding it did not commensurate to the seriousness of the situation nor its desired objectives in preserving joint national security, facing all threats targeting the Arab and Islamic countries and strengthening their joint action. The Minister also expressed his surprise at the reservation of the State of Qatar about the GCC Summit final statement, which stressed that the security of the Gulf is indivisible, according to the principles set forth in the Joint Defence Agreement of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The statement also pointed out the unity among GCC members as they share close bonds and common characteristics. The Minister noted that the reservation proves that enhancing relations with GCC states is not among the priorities of the Qatari policies, and that Qatar’s connection to its brotherly countries have become weak, in a time in which it became indebted seeking intermediaries to save it from its crisis. The Minister noted that Qatar’s failure to comply with the just demands submitted by GCC countries led to the continuation of its crisis. He added that we have no interest in prolonging the Qatari crisis, and Qatar does not seem to want to solve the conflict as it placed itself against its brothers, in an act that does not come in line with protecting the interests of the brotherly Qatari people, who will remain an integral part of the Gulf community, linked by unity of goals and common destiny.