Tensions overshadow Gulf Cooperation Council summit
(Baonghean.vn) - The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit was held on December 9 in Riyadh, in the context that the region is facing many serious problems such as the tense relationship between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the diplomatic crisis from the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
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| The 2017 Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit took place in Kuwait. Photo: Reuters |
The summit, which brings together leaders from six member states, is expected to focus on security issues, including the war in Yemen and Iran's regional influence activities.
The conference could also discuss political issues related to oil and Qatar's long-standing boycott by neighboring countries.
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt severed diplomatic and economic relations with Qatar in June 2017 due to disagreement with the country's support for opposition and extremist political groups.
Qatar abruptly announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) last week. The country denied all accusations and asserted that the boycott by neighboring countries was aimed at violating Qatar's sovereignty.
The Saudi king has invited Qatar to attend the conference, but has not yet said what level of representation it will send. At last year's conference in Kuwait, the emir of Qatar represented the country, while Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain sent only lower-level officials.
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established in 1980 to establish an alliance to deal with neighboring countries Iran and Iraq, including member countries Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
