We say with great pride, on behalf of all the people of the Gulf, “Thank you, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Thank you, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.” The people of the Gulf states have witnessed the true meaning of their shared destiny through the actions of the Saudi government, under the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
These actions reflect the role of the big sister among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, standing firm in the darkest of times to preserve the stability of the Gulf states. This is Saudi Arabia - the Kingdom of Glory - and this is its vital role toward the GCC countries. While Iranian aggression sought to disrupt supply routes by targeting the ports and airports of the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, and despite the severity of attacks against Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom opened its airports and ports in Jeddah and Yanbu to the people of the Gulf states, securing supply chains and making its warehouses accessible to all GCC countries.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even amended its laws specifically for this purpose, allowing trucks free passage across the Gulf states. In times of crisis, the true character of wise and responsible leaders towards their people is revealed. What Saudi Arabia has done is a true embodiment of shared destiny and a reaffirmation of GCC’s charter of unity. Saudi airports and seaports have become a major hub and a critical factor in overcoming the challenges posed by Iranian aggression against the Gulf states. These measures are a practical manifestation of Gulf solidarity.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has once again proven that it is a safe haven and a strategic guarantee for the smooth flow of movement and trade, as well as for protecting the economies of the Gulf states. This monumental step reflects unity in the face of crises, providing logistical alternatives to ensure the continuity of daily life and strengthening economic ties among the brotherly Gulf states. Ensuring the availability of essential goods is a fundamental factor in maintaining social and economic stability and a basis for confronting the enemy. The battle is not limited to military and security fronts.
One of its most crucial pillars is raising public morale and instilling reassurance in people’s hearts. Saudi Arabia has been ahead of everyone. It acted quickly in taking the necessary measures before the people of the region even began to worry about the fate of supplies. The government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques responded proactively by opening all avenues to facilitate the movement of goods and people. It is as if Saudi Arabia is saying, “I know exactly when and how to act, even before I am asked.”
Here, I recall the words of Imam Al- Shafi’i, “May God reward hardships with all good, for they have shown me who my enemy is and who my friend is.” Brotherhood among nations is revealed by the actions of historical leaders, which shine as guiding beacons in critical moments. This reflects the meaning of the Gulf proverb that celebrates the strength of unity - “A bundle of sticks.” The Arab poet Al-Muhallab ibn Abi Sufra was right when he advised his sons on his deathbed - “Be united, my sons, in times of hardship. Spears cannot be broken while bound together, but they break easily when scattered.”
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states are the solid rock upon which the dreams of all enemies shatter. The six Gulf states have proven themselves too strong to be broken by systematic Iranian aggression. The Gulf states have proven themselves as an unbreakable force as long as they preserve their unity and cohesion, in accordance with Article Four of the GCC Charter, which states, “The ultimate goal is to achieve coordination, integration, and interdependence among the member states in all fields, leading to unity.”