Faisal, Minister of Foreign Affairs also asserted in his speech that the relations of the GCC Member States and Turkey launch on the basis of deep-rooted brotherhood and friendship and due to geographical proximity and the depth historical and cultural controls that bind them. "The common desire to translate those links and ties into practical programs to enhance cooperation between the two sides in all areas has contributed to strengthening these relationships to achieve the vital and common interests to all of them", Prince Saud Al-Faisal confirmed, saying that for this purpose, it was agreed on the mechanism of strategic dialogue and the signing of a memorandum of understanding in this regard during the first joint ministerial meeting held in September 2, 2008 in Jeddah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Minister of Foreign Affairs went on saying that during the meeting which was held in Istanbul in July 2009, the practical foundations for the strategic dialogue were laid, indicating that in the meeting held in Kuwait in October 2010, the two sides agreed on a plan of joint action for 2011-2012 AD. He asserted that this plan of joint action was not confined to the promotion of official relations only, but also worked to strengthen relations between peoples by encouraging communication and cultural and touristic exchange. "It was also agreed upon to hold GCC cultural celebrations in Turkey within a year and that everything was done in this regard for the welfare and prosperity of the countries and peoples of the region.", Prince Saud Al-Faisal concluded.
