Crown Prince: GCC-US summit aims to deepen relations

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said the GCC-US summit reflects keenness to develop cooperation and serve stability in the region.

"The relationship between the GCC countries and the US is historic and strategic," Bin Salman said in his opening speech at the Gulf-US summit held in Riyadh, with the participation of US President Donald Trump and Gulf leaders.

The Crown Prince also stated that the 2017 GCC-US summit with Trump placed a strong emphasis on the necessity of bolstering the security of the GCC countries. This is in addition to protecting their interests, fighting and stopping terrorism, enhancing the military, security, and defense capabilities of the GCC countries, and confronting regional and global challenges.

Bin Salman further explained that the GCC countries share the US’ belief in the importance of economic partnership and trade cooperation, noting that the US is a major trade and investment partner.

The GCC-US trade exchange hit nearly $120 billion in 2024, the Crown Prince said, adding that the GCC countries look forward to maintaining cooperation and working with the US to strengthen economic relations and open new horizons for taking advantage of opportunities and cooperation in all areas to achieve common interests.

The Crown Prince highlighted the challenges the region faces, adding that the Saudi leadership, along with the US and GCC countries, seeks to prevent any escalations in the region, put an end to the war in Gaza, and find a permanent and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. He also affirmed his support for everything that would end all conflicts through peaceful means.

As a result, the Kingdom continues to encourage dialogue between the Yemeni parties and to reach a comprehensive diplomatic solution in Yemen. "We will continue our efforts to end the crisis in Sudan through the Saudi-US sponsored “Jeddah Forum”, to reach ceasefire in Sudan. We also emphasize the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria," he stated.

Regarding the Ukrainian crisis, the Crown Prince praised Trump's efforts and reaffirmed the Kingdom's willingness to find a solution.

The summit today affirms the commitment to the ongoing cooperation and coordination with the US to ensure regional and worldwide stability.

In conclusion, the Crown Prince said he aspires the summit would contribute to achieving its common goals, thereby ensuring the interests of growth, prosperity, and progress for peoples.