GCC-USA Summit opens in Riyadh, co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince and President Trump

Photography: Courtesy of SPA

RIYADH, May 14 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – The Gulf Cooperation Council–United States Summit convened on Wednesday in Riyadh at the invitation of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and under the joint chairmanship of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and U.S. President Donald J. Trump.

The summit opened with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and official commemorative photographs.

In his opening remarks, HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman welcomed President Trump and participating leaders, conveying greetings from King Salman and reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation.

“Our meeting with President Trump today builds upon the longstanding relationship and strategic partnership between our countries and the United States,” the Crown Prince said. “This summit underscores our commitment to collective action in strengthening relations, expanding strategic partnerships, and fulfilling the aspirations of our nations and peoples.”

He highlighted the importance of advancing security cooperation, boosting economic ties, and addressing regional and global challenges, noting that trade between the GCC and the United States reached $120 billion in 2024.

On foreign policy, the Crown Prince emphasized the shared vision of the GCC and the U.S. to pursue sustainable development through regional stability. He reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to:

• De-escalating regional tensions, particularly in Gaza,

• Supporting a lasting solution to the Palestinian cause based on the Arab Peace Initiative,

• Facilitating political resolution efforts in Yemen, Sudan, and Syria,

• Backing institutional reforms in Lebanon and welcoming the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and India.

The Crown Prince also praised President Trump’s recent decision to lift sanctions on Syria, describing it as a move that would “alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people and pave the way for a new chapter of growth and prosperity.”

Regarding Ukraine, he reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to contribute to a political resolution and welcomed President Trump’s personal commitment to ending the conflict.

“Our summit today underscores the importance of continued cooperation and coordination on regional and international issues, recognizing their vital role in promoting peace, security, and stability both in the region and the world,” the Crown Prince concluded.

The summit is seen as a continuation of the 2017 GCC-USA framework and reflects renewed strategic engagement between Gulf states and Washington across defense, economic, and diplomatic domains.