JEDDAH — The AlUla Declaration has been welcomed by many countries and organizations including the United States. USSecretary of State Michael Pompeo has welcomed the progress achieved by the AlUla Declaration issued at the Gulf Cooperation Council summit held on Tuesday, describing it as "a positive step toward restoring Gulf and Arab unity." In a statement on Tuesday, Pompeo said, "We are encouraged by the breakthrough made with the Al Ula Declaration today at the GCC summit, which marks a positive step toward restoring Gulf and Arab unity." "We have long stressed that a truly united Gulf will bring added prosperity through the free flow of goods and services and more security to its people. We welcome the pledge today to restore cooperation in military, economic, health, counter-corruption, and cultural initiatives." "We hope the Gulf countries will continue to reconcile their differences. Restoring full diplomatic relations is imperative for all parties in the region to unite against common threats. We are stronger when we stand together," he added. He also extended his thanks to Kuwait for its mediation efforts and support in resolving the Gulf dispute. Qatar welcomed the declaration, affirming in a statement that the summit at this decisive moment is an extension of the joint work process in its Gulf, Arab and Islamic framework, and in favor of the supreme interest in a way that strengthens the bonds of friendliness and brotherhood between people based on principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect. South Korea also welcomed the final communiqué aimed at strengthening Gulf and Arab solidarity and cooperation, as well as the agreement to open the airspace and borders between Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The Korean foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement, "The government expresses thanks to the government of Kuwait for its efforts aiming to promote integration in the Gulf region''. "The Republic of Korea would also continue cooperation with the GCC member states and other regional partners to promote peace and stability in the Middle East", the statement added. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Arab Parliament Adel Al-Asoumi praised the final communiqué. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Al-Asoumi valued the sincere efforts made by Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman in order to provide all the means and requirements for the success of this summit. He stressed that this exceptional summit in its timing and importance fulfilled the aspirations of the peoples of the GCC states in achieving solidarity, development and prosperity, and, at the same time, reflected the keenness of the leaders of the GCC states and their representatives to preserve the entity of the council. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also welcomed the signing of the AlUla Declaration. OIC's Secretary-General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen praised the efforts of Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad, may God have mercy on him, and the follow-up of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, in addition to the efforts made by the US. He appreciated the efforts of the GCC's leaders to preserve this entity in order to achieve the interests of the peoples of their countries, in addition, to preserve the security and stability of the region, and advance it to meet the challenges.
