Riyadh, 12 June 2023 (TDI): Yesterday, the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held its 156th session at the headquarter of the secretariat in Riyadh.
The Foreign Minister of Oman, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad presided over the session. He is the acting chairman for the current session of the ministerial council of GCC.
The Foreign Ministers from the Arab countries naming UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudia Arabia were present at the meeting. In addition, the Secretary General of GCC, Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, also attended the ministerial council session.
The Ministerial Council recognized the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia in deepening bonds among the Gulf countries. Additionally, the council praised the Kingdom’s endeavors to resolve several regional and international issues and promote peace in the Arab world.
The ministerial meeting recognized the GCC countries’ progress and development in outer space explorations and programs. They reviewed the integration among the Gulf countries and stressed the formation of the GCC common market. Furthermore, the Council approved the foreign action plan on human rights (2023-2036).
GCC stands against terrorism
The council confirmed its firm standing against terrorism and rejected the ideologies, justifications, and motives behind these acts. GCC ministerial council strongly upholds its commitments and efforts to cut off funding for terrorist activities.
The council praised Saudia Arabia for hosting the ministerial meeting of the International Coalition to Defeat ISIS in June 2023. Moreover, all the countries of the GCC were determined to continue their efforts in the coalition against terrorism.
Commitments to the Palestinian issue
The council strongly criticized the construction of Israel’s settlements on the occupied Palestine territory. They rejected the claims of sovereignty by Israel on the occupied territory as a violation of UNSC resolution 2334.
The council called on the International community to condemn the actions of Israel and likewise provide justice to the Palestinians. Additionally, the council considered the formation of an independent State over the Palestinian-occupied territories since 1967 a possible solution.
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The council also deliberated on other major regional and international issues of mutual concern. They explored ways to counter difficult situations in Iran, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, and Afghanistan. The readmission of Syria into the Arab Council was also praised. Furthermore, the council also discussed the Russian-Ukraine crisis and underscored the importance of efforts to resolve this issue.
The council explored several ways to bolster the strategic cooperation between the GCC countries and the United States of America.
