King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, called for the formation of a Gulf union in a keynote speech at the opening session of the 32nd GCC Summit in Riyadh.

He urged GCC leaders to close ranks in a 'single entity'.

'I ask today that we move from a phase of co-operation to a phase of union within a single entity,' said the Saudi king.

'You must realise that our security and stability are threatened and we need to live up to our responsibilities,' said King Abdullah. 'Our summit opens in the shadow of challenges that require vigilance and a united stance.”

He urged the GCC to help their 'Arab brothers so that the blood stops flowing and to guard against the risks of foreign intervention'.

'We learnt from history and experience not to stand still when faced with our reality,' the Saudi king said.

'Whoever does that will end up at the back of the caravan trail and will be lost... That is something we will not accept for the sake of our countries, our people, our stability and our security.

'That is why I ask of you today to move beyond the stage of co-operation and into the stage of unity in a single entity,' he added.

His Majesty King Hamad, who headed Bahrain's delegation to the summit, urged GCC leaders 'to promote trust in a secure future for coming generations so that they will not fall prey to fear'.

His Majesty King Hamad described it as 'an historic responsibility to have banners of hope, pride and glory'.

The King attended the opening session and later the first closed session of the two-day summit at Al Dariya Palace, Riyadh.

He paid tribute to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, saying his ideas and views will further cement GCC fundamentals and deepen relations on the basis of co-operation and peace towards a better future.

'Our meeting is a true expression of our will and a practical reflection of deep-rooted ties,' he said on arrival in Saudi Arabia, when he was received by King Abdullah.

His Majesty also stressed that results would be in the interest of GCC nationals' aspirations to a free and decent life based on justice and prosperity. He underlined the importance of addressing vital issues, building a productive economy and spearheading a scientific base, being the cornerstone for a prosperous future.

'Our meeting and the results and decisions which we will reach reflect our resolve to forge ahead and cement our unity for a secure life,' he said.

He stressed joint determination to work to achieve people's aspirations and bolster unity.

He later attended a dinner banquet hosted by King Abdullah for the GCC leaders. – TradeArabia News Service