Al Sharq newspaper said in its editorial that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani's participation along with his brothers Their Majesties and Highnesses leaders of GCC countries and heads of delegations, in the 18th Consultative Meeting of leaders and representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the first GCC-Central Asia Summit both held in the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, reflect His Highness's interest in strengthening joint Gulf action and strengthening constructive Gulf cooperation with Central Asian countries in a way that contributes to achieving what is good for the people of the Gulf and Central Asia.

The newspaper considered that the convening of the first GCC-Central Asia Summit is evidence of the common desire to enhance cooperation and affirm the bonds of partnership. The GCC and Central Asia have distinguished fraternal relations and this summit provides great opportunities for cooperation and exchange of experiences in all fields.

HH the Amir's Central Asian tour in June reflects the vision and keenness of His Highness to open up Qatar to this important region, and is an embodiment of the state's strategy established by His Highness to build bridges and ties and strengthen relations with various brotherly and friendly countries for the benefit of everyone, the paper said.

Al-Sharq concluded its editorial by saying that the first GCC-Central Asia Summit represents an important step towards achieving further development and growth in relations between both sides.

For its part, Al-Arab newspaper confirmed in its editorial that HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani led the State of Qatar's delegation in the 18th Consultative Meeting of leaders and representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Wednesday in Jeddah, which reflected His Highness's keenness to participate and support any work that would increase the cohesion between the Gulf people.

The newspaper considered that HH the Amir's leadership of the country's delegation at the GCC-Central Asia Summit also held Wednesday in Jeddah confirms Qatar's interest in strengthening cooperation with its regional and Asian surroundings.

Al-Arab added that the first GCC-Central Asia Summit aims to strengthen the relations between the GCC countries and the Central Asian countries on the bases of the principles and objectives stipulated in the GCC Charter 1981. The summit also aims to establish a partnership and develop mechanisms to ensure the sustainability of consultation and dialogue, as well as to enhance cooperation in the areas outlined in the joint action plan between them.

The importance of holding this first-of-its-kind summit reflects the GCC countries openness to partnerships with active blocs in the international community to strengthen the GCC's position globally, the paper added.

Al-Arab stressed that Qatar's participation at the wise leadership level in any political or diplomatic meeting aims to strengthen ties, cooperation, and coordination with its Gulf and Asian surroundings for the stability of the region.

In turn, the English-language newspaper The Peninsula said in its editorial titled "GCC joint cooperation" that the State of Qatar has always been keen to promote and strengthen cohesion and cooperation of the Gulf Cooperation Council for the benefit of its people and the region. The state has advocated increased cooperation in the bloc and the region based on respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and promoting common interests.

The 18th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses leaders of GCC coincided with the GCC-Central Asia Summit. The GCC-Central Asia summit comes months after a similar GCC summit with China. It will help open new horizons of cooperation between the two regions. The summit will discuss boosting links in the fields of trade and investment, energy, education, scientific research, industry, agriculture, tourism, and culture, the newspaper noted.

The summit with Central Asian states, and the previous meetings with the US and China, reflect the vision of the leaders of the GCC countries to form partnerships and strengthen the regions position globally and strengthen its cohesion and integration with simplified travel and visa regimes for their citizens and residents as well as other measures, the paper said.

In conclusion, The Peninsula affirmed the existence of a huge potential for further economic integration. With the keenness of the GCC leaders, a more-integrated and prosperous future awaits the region.

Source: Qatar News Agency