US President, Donald Trump has addressed the GCC-US Summit; a meeting of the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members in the Saudi capital, Riyadh.
This came as part of the activities for the second day of his visit to the Middle East.
He asserted that the Gulf nations are “at the forefront” of creating a stable, peaceful and prosperous Middle East.
He said that he’s seen progress, unity and friendship. “It’s really incredible,” he added.
Trump expressed hope for “incredible opportunities” in the Middle East “if we can simply stop the aggression from a small group of very bad actors.”
He accused his predecessor, Joe Biden, of empowering Iran and its proxies while turning his back on Gulf allies. “Those days are over,” Trump pronounced.
Stating that everyone present knew where his loyalties are, Trump promised to “confront the aggression that threatens us all.”
Trump pointed out that he wants to make a deal with Iran, but for that to happen, “it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons.”
Also, the US President spoke about the war in Gaza, saying that he shares the “hope of so many in this region for a future of safety and dignity for the Palestinian people.”
However, he took a shot at “Gaza’s leaders”, saying their attacks against “innocent people” are blocking such progress.
He said that he greatly appreciates GCC leaders’ constructive role in “trying to bring an end to this terrible conflict,” including their help securing the release of Israeli American captive, Edan Alexander.
“Ultimately, all hostages of all nationalities have to be released. And I think it’s going to happen.”
Donald Trump
Additionally, Trump referenced Syria, which he said Washington is “exploring” normalising relations with, and Lebanon, which he says now has an opportunity to build a peaceful future.
He ended his remarks by expressing gratitude to Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman for hosting him in Riyadh.
Prior to Trump’s remarks, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised the Gulf states’ relationship with the US, which he hopes will reach even “higher levels.”
Addressing the gathering, he said that he looks forward to opening “new horizons in all domains, in the interest of all our states.”
The Crown Prince also brought up the war in Gaza, which he said he looks forward to working with the US on to end, while “finding a comprehensive lasting solution” for the Palestinian people.
He referenced ongoing conflicts in Yemen and Sudan, which he said also required “diplomatic solutions.”
Leaders of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait also spoke at the summit, bringing up the Gaza war and the need to protect Palestinian rights.
Trump Meet Syria’s President On GCC-US Summit Sidelines
Before the summit, Trump met with Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa – the first meeting between leaders of the two countries in 25 years.
This came a day after the US President announced the lifting of sanctions on Syria, prompting jubilation in Damascus.
According to the White House, Trump called on al-Sharaa to cooperate with the US to prevent the return of ISIL.
Al-Sharaa also said that he agreed with Trump that this was an opportunity in light of the Iranian withdrawal from Syria, and that Syria has shared interests with Washington in fighting “terrorism” and eliminating chemical weapons.
Trump went on to ask al-Sharaa to deport “Palestinian terrorists” from Syria and he also called on the Syrian president to deport all foreign “terrorists.”
After the GCC-US summit, Trump left Saudi Arabia, concluding the first foreign trip of his second presidential term.
The US President is now heading to Qatar for the second leg of his three-stop Gulf tour.
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