Kuwait all set to host key GCC summit

Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) attend a meeting in Bayan Palace, in Kuwait City, Kuwait, December 4, 2017.

While Kuwait is all set to host the 38th GCC summit, the UAE affirmed its commitment to the Gulf unity despite the ongoing dispute between some member states.
Sources told Khaleej Times that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain will be present.
"The ministers of foreign affairs shall meet on Monday evening to prepare for the summit," the sources added.
On his Twitter account, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash said that he was happy to be in Kuwait on the fraternal land of generous Al Sabah and his faithful people.
"Kuwait shall remain, always and forever, beloved and cherished by each and every Emirati national."
Emirati analyst and chief editor of Al Khaleej newspaper Raed Barqawi told Khaleej Times that the UAE participation in the summit is in line with its commitment to support the Gulf solidarity and its passion to protect the interests of all Gulf countries. "We are so keen to defend and develop the unity and development of the GCC in a way that meets the aspirations of Gulf peoples, considering the political, economic, and security importance of this block."
The UAE is up to its regional and international responsibilities, he added. "The UAE definitely supports the summit being held as scheduled with no disruption," Barqawi added.
Paying tributes to the Amir of Kuwait, Barqawi said that His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah "spares no effort to make a big success of the joint Gulf work."
"The UAE being here today reflects its recognition of the prudent leadership and people of Kuwait, considering the reverent personality of His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah." He affirmed that the Gulf dispute with Qatar shall have no end "unless it positively responds to the concerns of the three Gulf countries - UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and in coordination with Egypt." ?
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com