ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya affirmed on Thursday that the 162nd session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held in preparation for the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, reflects the deep brotherly ties among member states and their shared commitment to strengthening Gulf unity and advancing cooperation to serve the interests of their peoples and meet their aspirations.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, Al-Yahya, who is also the chair of the current session, said that holding this gathering in Kuwait represents an important step in enhancing integration frameworks among the GCC nations and addressing regional and international developments that require deeper coordination and more unified positions. “Today, we have a renewed opportunity to build on our achievements and shape a more stable and prosperous future for our region, relying on our shared legacy and an ambitious vision that reflects our people’s aspirations toward unity and comprehensive development,” he said.
The minister emphasized that the meeting comes at a critical juncture, as the region and the world face growing challenges and escalating crises that call for unified action and shared responsibility. He highlighted the importance of intensified coordination in the face of regional security threats, particularly the ongoing tragic events in Palestine, especially in Gaza, where Palestinian brothers continue to suffer.
“We reaffirm our principled and steadfast position in support of the just Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people, which are inalienable, especially their right to establish an independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” he stated.
He also called on the international community to assume its humanitarian and legal responsibilities toward the defenseless Palestinian people and to stop the brutal attacks against them. He stressed the importance of expediting the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza without restrictions and ensuring international protection for the Palestinian people.
Minister Al-Yahya praised the efforts of the Arab-Islamic Committee, led by Saudi Arabia, in supporting the Palestinian cause and reinforcing diplomatic and relief efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He also reiterated support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts in leading the international coalition to secure recognition of Palestine as a state.
The Kuwaiti foreign minister condemned the Zionist entity’s ongoing violations of international law, especially in Lebanon and Syria, describing these actions as blatant violations of sovereignty and international law. In this context, he welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and appreciated the international efforts to reach this agreement, hoping that it would lead to the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
He emphasized the need to respect Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability, rejecting any attempts to violate its land and security. He also reiterated Kuwait’s support for Syria’s unity and stability, calling for an end to external interventions that fuel the ongoing crisis. He stressed the need for intensified efforts to reach a political solution in Syria, based on Syrian ownership and in line with UN Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2254.
On the developments in Yemen, the minister reiterated Kuwait’s support for achieving security and stability in Yemen through a comprehensive political solution, in line with the Gulf Initiative, its implementation mechanism, and the outcomes of the National Dialogue Conference and UN Security Council Resolution 2216. He welcomed the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman in supporting the Yemeni peace process.
Minister Al-Yahya also emphasized the need for joint efforts to address outstanding issues with Iraq, particularly to enhance regional security and stability, while upholding the principles of good neighborliness and mutual respect. He called for Iraq’s full commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty, particularly with respect to the 1993 UN Security Council Resolution 833 regarding the demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq border.
He expressed appreciation for the efforts of the GCC countries, especially Saudi Arabia, to encourage Iraq to engage in meaningful dialogue to complete the maritime border demarcation and ensure compliance with agreements related to the Khor Abdullah navigation.
On humanitarian issues, the minister highlighted the central role of the UN in addressing the issues of Kuwaiti prisoners, missing persons and Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. He called for the continued follow-up of these files by the UN Security Council and the reinstatement of a high-level coordinator to ensure effective and sustainable monitoring of these matters.
Al-Yahya concluded by expressing gratitude to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for his leadership during the previous session of the GCC, and extended thanks to Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al-Muraikhi for their efforts in supporting the GCC’s progress. He also commended the continued efforts of the GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and the General Secretariat in preparing for the current meeting.
Finally, Minister Al-Yahya expressed hope for continued prosperity, security and stability for the GCC countries, under the wise leadership of their rulers, and looked forward to welcoming the leaders of the Gulf states for the upcoming GCC summit.
Meanwhile, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi expressed optimism and confidence that the 45th Gulf Summit, which will be hosted by Kuwait this Sunday, will be a significant milestone in the journey of joint Gulf cooperation.
In his speech during the opening session of the 162nd Ministerial Council meeting, Al-Budaiwi extended his warm congratulations and best wishes to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah for presiding over the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC. He expressed confidence in His Highness’ wisdom, foresight and sincere intentions to achieve the high goals that the GCC leaders strive for, particularly in enhancing cooperation and integration to meet the aspirations of their peoples for a bright future full of development and prosperity.
Al-Budaiwi also congratulated Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya on his presidency of the GCC Ministerial Council, wishing him success in his role and hoping that his leadership will be marked by accomplishments that strengthen GCC unity and fulfill the aspirations of the Gulf peoples. He emphasized that the GCC Secretariat would be at the full disposal of the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister during this period to support his efforts.
Additionally, Al-Budaiwi expressed deep appreciation for the leadership of Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affair, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, during the previous session of the Ministerial Council. He praised the substantial achievements that took place under Qatar’s leadership in supporting Gulf cooperation and further enhancing ties between the member states.
He also acknowledged the continued dedication and valuable contributions of Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan Al-Muraikhi, highlighting his pivotal role in strengthening cooperation and mutual understanding within the GCC and his relentless efforts, which have had a positive impact on the organization’s standing both regionally and internationally.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the holding of this meeting underscores the commitment to implementing the directives of the GCC leaders to support the council’s shared goals. He reiterated the importance of furthering coordination, integration, and solidarity to ensure that the GCC remains a united, cohesive body that reflects the deep brotherly ties and shared interests of its member states, as well as a steadfast pillar for preserving regional security, stability, and prosperity in this vital region.
He also noted that the summit is crucial for continuing to strengthen strategic partnerships with friendly and sisterly nations to meet current and future challenges. Al-Budaiwi concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister and all ministry staff for their significant efforts in preparing for this meeting, ensuring its success, and providing vital support to achieve the highest standards of cooperation. — KUNA
