Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has stressed the need for coordination, integration and interdependence among GCC countries in all fields.
At its 156th session on Sunday, the Council focused on strengthening joint Gulf action, with the Council reviewing the integration process among GCC countries. The session emphasized on the completion of the requirements for finalizing the Customs Union and ensuring equal treatment for citizens within the GCC Common Market.
Additionally, the Council approved the foreign action plan in the field of human rights for the years 2023-2026. The session was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi.Â
The meeting included the participation of high-ranking officials from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait, as well as the Secretary General of the GCC, Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi.
During the session, the Council discussed various regional issues and issued a comprehensive statement addressing important matters. The Council emphasized the importance of fostering Arab unity and stability to ensure a promising future for Arab nations and future generations. Furthermore, the Council praised the Kingdom’s efforts in promoting dialogue, unity, and achieving truces on various local and international issues.
The progress made by the GCC countries within their space programs was also commended by the Ministerial Council, specifically highlighting the advancements in outer space exploration by the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The Council acknowledged the positive impact of these endeavors on knowledge development, scientific research, and practical applications.
The Ministerial Council reiterated its commitment to combatting terrorism, welcoming the results of the ministerial meeting of the International Coalition to Defeat Daesh held in Riyadh on June 8, 2023. The Council reaffirmed its strong stance against terrorism in all its forms and rejected any justifications or motives behind such acts. It emphasized the importance of international and regional coordination to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that pose threats to security and stability.
The Council also reviewed the recent GCC-European Conference on Combating Extremist Ideology, held at the General Secretariat headquarters on June 6-7, 2023. It acknowledged the participation of GCC states, the European Union, and specialized centers in studying extremism, recognizing the significance of addressing the repercussions of this phenomenon.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, the Ministerial Council reaffirmed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s sovereignty over all territories occupied since June 1967. It called for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Al Quds as its capital and the protection of refugee rights in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions. The Council commended the efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the League of Arab States, and the European Union in reviving the Arab Peace Initiative and addressing Israeli violations. It strongly condemned the repeated incursions by Israeli officials and settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque, emphasizing the sanctity of civilians and civilian facilities.
The GCC Ministerial Council addressed various other regional issues, including the Iranian occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates, Yemen’s security and stability, the situation in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya, Afghanistan, and the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. The Council reiterated its positions and decisions on these matters, emphasizing respect for international law, the preservation of sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the importance of political solutions, dialogue, and peaceful resolutions.
In terms of the Iranian occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates, the Council expressed firm support for the UAE’s sovereignty over the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands. It called on Iran to respond to the UAE’s efforts for a resolution through direct negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice. The Council declared that any actions taken by Iran on the islands are null and void and have no effect on the UAE’s sovereignty.
Addressing the situation in Yemen, the Ministerial Council expressed full support for the Presidential Leadership Council’s efforts to achieve security, stability, and a political solution in the country. It welcomed the sincere endeavors of Saudi Arabia and Oman in facilitating the political process and reaching a comprehensive and sustainable solution. The Council commended the diplomatic efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy and the US Special Envoy to Yemen and stressed the importance of international pressure on the Houthi militia to lift the siege on the city of Taiz and open humanitarian crossings. It also acknowledged the humanitarian aid and support provided by the GCC countries to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.
Regarding Iraq, the Council reiterated its support for the country’s security, stability, and sovereignty. It stressed the importance of protecting Iraq’s territorial integrity, its Arab-Islamic identity, and national unity. The Council called on Iraq to respect the sovereignty of Kuwait and to demarcate maritime borders beyond the mark 162. It also emphasized the need for Iraq to cooperate with the United Nations regarding prisoners and missing persons, Kuwaiti property, and the national archive.
Concerning Syria, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the territorial integrity and independence of the country. It called for a political solution to the Syrian crisis based on relevant United Nations resolutions and expressed support for the efforts of the UN Special Envoy. The Council welcomed the consensus reached by the 6+6 joint committee, formed by the Libyan House of Representatives and the High Council of State, regarding laws regulating the upcoming elections.
The Ministerial Council also discussed the situation in Afghanistan and emphasized the importance of restoring security and stability in the country. It called for a consensual political solution that considers the interests of all Afghan people and prevents the use of Afghan lands by terrorist groups or for narcotics export. The Council commended the ongoing humanitarian assistance provided by the GCC countries to Afghanistan and urged the international community to continue its support.
Regarding the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the Council affirmed its support for mediation efforts and a political solution, emphasizing the principles of international law, respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in internal affairs. It commended the humanitarian assistance provided by the GCC countries to Ukraine and expressed support for the extension of agreements facilitating the export of grains and humanitarian supplies.
The Council highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and negotiations, particularly the partnership between the GCC and the Arab Republic of Egypt, as well as the strategic partnership with the United States. It emphasized the need to strengthen these relationships and foster integration in various fields.