Saudi Arabia hosts GCC summit amid Qatar tensions, Khashoggi crisis

Published on December 10, 2018
The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) annual summit opened in Riyadh on Sunday, 9th December 2018.
Saudi Arabia hosts GCC summit amid Qatar tensions, Khashoggi crisis
  • The regional unity was imperilled by a bitter row between Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which is mired in a diplomatic crisis over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Details:

  • The one-day annual gathering of leaders from the six member states is expected to focus on security issues, including the Yemen war and Iran's regional activities, and may touch on oil politics and a protracted boycott of Qatar by some neighbours.
  • Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and non-GCC member Egypt cut diplomatic and economic ties with Qatar in June 2017 over allegations of supporting terrorism.
  • Qatar, which last week abruptly announced it was withdrawing from the oil exporters' group OPEC, denies the charges and says the boycott aims to curtail its sovereignty.
  • The Saudi king has invited Qatar's emir to the summit, but Doha has not said what level of representation it would send. 
  • The emir attended last year's gathering in Kuwait, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain sent more junior officials.
  • The UAE delegation to the Riyadh summit will be headed by Prime Minister and Vice-President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, who is also ruler of Dubai.

The GCC:

  • The GCC that was set up in 1980 as a bulwark against larger neighbours Iran and Iraq - groups Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. 
  • Kuwait's ties with Riyadh have also been strained over control of shared oilfields.

Question:

Q. The Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) annual summit opened in which city on Sunday, 9th December 2018?
a. Riyadh
b. Abu Dhabi
c. Doha
d. None of the above
ebook store

About Me

Ramandeep Singh

Ramandeep Singh - Educator

I'm Ramandeep Singh, your guide to banking and insurance exams. With 14 years of experience and over 5000 successful selections, I understand the path to success firsthand, having transitioned from Dena Bank and SBI. I'm passionate about helping you achieve your banking and insurance dreams.

  • Follow me:
Close Menu
Close Menu