HRH CP speaks to Kuwaiti newspaper
GCC summits are bases to build on, the results of which cannot be felt overnight, His Royal Highness Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa said in a statement to Kuwaiti newspaper Al Rai Al Aam.
There should be a thoughtful evaluation and a common will to promote the role of the Gulf Cooperation Council and boost its place among the GCC peoples, he added urging to look positively at what has been achieved and work hard to bring about further accomplishments as far as economic integration and joint projects are concerned. The post of GCC Secretary General is but a tool to activate the role of the council, HRH the Crown Prince stressed pointing out that whoever fills it from Bahrain or any other GCC country, it bears a noble mission of opening up new horizons of joint work. The Bahraini GCC Secretary General, with the experience and competence he has, will continue what his predecessors started, he said. Bahrain strongly believes that growth is the root of political, social, educational and economic changes, HRH Prince Salman emphasized.
In order for the GCC countries to maintain their membership in the International Economic Club, they should carefully realize the end of the oil era, he said.<br>We should immediately embark on useful industry and create new economic sectors, he revealed. Concerning the kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030, HRH the Crown Prince described it as a national masterplan outlining the aspired future for Bahrain till 2030. The Bahraini society has been able to agree on a loftiest goal of the vision which is building a better life for every Bahraini on three main pillars: justice, competitiveness and sustainability, he pointed out taking pride in diversity and unity characterizing the Bahraini society. Pointing out to the shrinking world economic downturn, he said its repercussions were minimal in the Gulf region thanks to cooperation among the GCC states and the clear vision of the UAE in containing Dubai financial crisis. Concerning Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, HRH the Crown Prince voiced GCC concern to be a partner in every decision regarding the future of the region and not merely a recipient of international resolutions.
As for the Palestinian issue, HRH Prince Salman called for realism and responsibility to spare the Palestinian blood which is being shed because of the unclear Arab policy. He also advised influential forces in Iraq to unite around democracy and pluralism to avert any losses. HRH the Crown Prince described the Kuwaiti economic experience as one of the most successful in the region voicing his belief that the Bahraini experience is a bit different due to the kingdom’s developing economy and limited resources. For this reason, there should be continuous cooperation between both countries, he said.
