Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said Tuesday the GCC summit comes amid rapid international changes and critical conditions that necessitate continuing consultations and joint coordination to consider and preclude relevant reflections on the GCC countries. Addressing the 37th GCC summit held in Manama, the Kuwaiti Emir said that the region is currently faced with grave challenges, where on the economic front, dwindling oil prices are a major concern. The Kuwaiti Emir also added that there needs to be a shift in national ideologies, together with fresh cooperation fields, in order to cope with these challenges. The Emir spoke of notable achievements brought about by joint GCC work, which includes economic gains that represent the aspirations of GCC citizens. He also highlighted the need for increased strategies to bolster GCC cooperation in efforts to amass further accomplishments that will reinforce solidarity among the Gulf nations. Moreover, on the scourge of terrorism, he said that it poses a threat to regional security and stability, which calls for concerted efforts to eliminate this mounting threat. On Yemen, the Kuwaiti Emir recounted that Kuwait had hosted peace talks that aimed to restore peace in the war-torn nation, lamenting that the warring parties failed to reconcile, which induced further bloodshed. On Syria, the Emir said that the GCC commiserates with the people of Syria, underscoring firm support of a political solution to a conflict that has remained unabated. Speaking on developments in Iraq, the Kuwaiti Emir expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the fight against the so-called Islamic State (IS), as he wished the country a prosperous and bright future. On the Palestinian conflict, the Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah regretted that efforts to establish peace remain at an impasse, noting that the international community is preoccupied with other issues. Meanwhile, speaking on ties with Iran, he said there needs to be constructive dialogue between the GCC and the Islamic Republic, noting that the talks should center on abidance by international law, including sovereign rights. The Emir also urged Tehran to cease meddling in the internal affairs of other nations, noting that the agenda for this GCC summit includes numerous pivotal issues. --More 20:24 LOCAL TIME 17:24 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/w284757