Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, reaffirmed the need for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to close their ranks and stand united in confronting the challenges. He said this while chairing the 42nd session of the GCC Supreme Council at Diriyah Palace, north of Riyadh, on Tuesday evening. Leaders and heads of state of the six GCC states or their representatives are gathered to discuss major topics on the agendas of the summit, including further strengthening joint cooperation, confronting challenges, and focusing on future programs to boost economic integration and political cohesion. In his speech at the conclusion of the open session, the Crown Prince lauded the solidarity that led to the success of the outcomes of the Al-Ula Summit. He said that the GCC has scored many remarkable achievements over the last four decades ever since the establishment of the Council. The Crown Prince emphasized Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in overcoming the challenges and the great efforts being made by it to enhance the security and stability of the region. He also underscored the significance of completing the process of creating the Gulf Economic Union. The Crown Prince stressed the importance of dealing seriously with Iran’s nuclear file as well as to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a source of threat to the region. He called for supporting the stability of Iraq and reaching political solution in Yemen, saying that dialogue is the best way to resolve conflicts. Earlier, the Crown Prince received Gulf leaders and high level delegations that arrived in Riyadh to attend the summit. They included Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain, Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al-Said.