GCC countries are capable of facing any regional or international challenge, it was declared last night.

Kuwaitit Amir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Sabah said, however, that the Gulf nations had to maintain co-ordination over these issues to minimise their repercussions on the region, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

Speaking at the opening of the 34th GCC Summit in Al Tahrir (the Liberation) Hall at Bayan Palace, Shaikh Sabah said that the Gulf states have the ability to prove to the world that they are capable of combating any form of challenge while continuing to serve their people.

His Majesty King Hamad is leading Bahrain's delegation to the summit .

The Kuwaiti Amir also voiced the GCC countries' satisfaction at an interim agreement on Iran's nuclear programme, hoping it will lead to a permanent deal capable of reducing tension in the region.

He lauded US efforts to invigorate peace negotiations in the Middle East, stressing the need for Israel to enforce resolutions of international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

He pointed out the importance of establishing a viable independent Palestinian state so that peace reigns in the region.

He called for an end to the human suffering in Syria and highlighted the inability of the UN Security Council to end the crisis.

The Amir said that Kuwait has responded to the call of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to hold a second conference on humanitarian support to the Syrian people which is slated to be held next month.

He also read out a letter he received from Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, thanking the GCC leaders for their support. His Majesty attended a dinner banquet hosted by the Kuwaiti Amir in honour of GCC leaders taking part in the summit. - TradeArabia News Service