https://arab.news/n3a5d
- The AlUla Declaration was signed during the summit of Gulf leaders in the northwestern city in 抖阴短视频
- The Kingdom hosted the 41st GCC summit, which was headed by the Crown Prince
JEDDAH: The UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Anwar Gargash has told Arab News that the GCC is 鈥渃ollectively in agreement with any threat towards its security鈥� from Iran.
In a virtual press conference on Thursday, the minister addressed the 41st GCC summit held in AlUla where an agreement was signed to mend relations with Qatar, stressing the importance of solidarity, unity and security among the Gulf states.
He said that some differences remained in how to address major security issues in light of Doha鈥檚 recent relationship with Tehran.
Since 2017, Qatar has warmed its relationships with Iran and Turkey, which the four nations saw as undermining regional security. Relations with Iran and Turkey strengthened the quartet鈥檚 views of Qatar as a threat and increased tensions, especially over their support for Islamist groups, harboring extremists and interference with internal affairs.
The minister said that the UAE鈥檚 views on both Iran and Turkey are one of the same, highlighting that it is not just a Gulf issue but an Arab issue. He noted that Turkey is one of the largest trade partners in the Middle East and one that should respect Arab sovereignty and interests.
鈥淲e understand that the geostrategic consideration will take some time and we need to work together on these issues and I鈥檓 sure there鈥檚 a Qatari perspective there鈥�
鈥淭he more the GCC is closer together, the more collectively it agrees on geo-strategic issues,鈥� he said, adding that their target is to work towards closing the gap on these issues.
Gargash also announced that trade, transport and resumption of full diplomatic ties with Qatar will take place within a week after the signing of the AlUla Declaration.
鈥淭he declaration is a significant step at resolving a difficult and painful crisis within the GCC and the Gulf,鈥� he said, adding: 鈥淚鈥檓 glad this is coming to an end but this crisis will also depend on the transparency and constructive approach that we deal with as we move forward.鈥�
He noted that the resumption of trade, transport, investment and financial transactions will be easier to achieve compared to some of the other challenges as 鈥渃onfidence building measures will take a while.鈥�
The minister added: 鈥淲e realize that some issues are easier to fix. Some will take longer.鈥�
To reach an agreement, the minister said that the topic of opening air space came up a few months ago but efforts were made by 抖阴短视频 to address the more pressing issues and find a solution with the help of the US and gaining the support of the UAE.
He said the four nations 鈥渁re in this together and we have to exit together.鈥�
The minister emphasized efforts made by Kuwait and the US, noting that the rift has to run its course as this is an issue that is 鈥渨ithin the family鈥� and they will be working on rebuilding confidence between the two states.
Gargash said that the GCC will now 鈥渞etool internally鈥� and improve on issues of security, economy, science and more, adding that 鈥渁 more stable and connected region is within our interest.鈥�
Addressing the issue of the state-owned Al-Jazeera Arabic news channel, the minister said that the challenge will be the government鈥檚 perception of neutrality in the next coming period and is an internal matter that the Qataris have to face but 鈥渨ill depend on bilateral agreements between the states.鈥�
On the topic of Israel, the minister said that he hopes the UAE鈥檚 support and signing of the Abraham Accords will change the sentiment in the region and 鈥渨e hope to change the reality in the region,鈥� but highlighted each country has its own sovereign decision towards the accords.
鈥淭his is not the first crisis in the GCC but the sharpest, and it is within our interest to not return to any small or large crisis,鈥� said Gargash.
He stressed that 鈥渁ny crisis will leave issues of trust鈥� noting that the 2017 crisis will push members to quickly address any future problems as 鈥渨e genuinely want to restart and own what took place in AlUla.鈥�
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