KUWAIT: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi emphasized that GCC leaders have called for the cessation of war crimes in Gaza, the displacement of Palestinians and the Zionist occupation of Palestinian territories, stating that the leaders reaffirmed their unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause, supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.

He highlighted during a press conference on Sunday on the sidelines of the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit in Kuwait, the Kuwait Declaration that included key steps for regional development and stability of the region. “The declaration condemned the (Zionist) aggression in Gaza, Lebanon and the West Bank, including violations in Jerusalem and Islamic and Christian holy sites,” he said, adding that GCC leaders demanded an end to the killing of civilians, destruction of infrastructure and violations of international law in Gaza.

The leaders called for serious negotiations to achieve lasting peace, aligned with the Arab Peace Initiative, denouncing the continuation of Zionist attacks on Lebanon and warned of its expansion, which could destabilize the region. “The leaders welcomed the temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, urging steps toward a permanent resolution and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” he stated.

As for the Yemeni crisis, Al-Budaiwi added that the GCC praised Saudi Arabia and Oman for their efforts in fostering dialogue among Yemeni factions to revive the political process, as they expressed support for peaceful solutions that respect Yemen’s sovereignty and promote long-term stability. On the economic and digital transformation, the Secretary-General highlighted the importance of economic diversification and digital innovation, underscoring investment in renewable energy, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“Leaders reiterated their commitment to addressing climate change while maintaining energy market stability. The summit also stressed the importance of empowering women and youth, as well as preserving Gulf identity and cultural heritage,” he said. The summit emphasized peaceful dialogue and diplomacy to resolve regional conflicts, respecting international law and state sovereignty. The leaders pledged to strengthen the GCC’s role as a hub for global business, security and economic collaboration.

Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya highlighted that the summit underscored the GCC’s role in promoting regional and global security, sustainable development and long-term economic growth, ensuring a prosperous future for its member states. He said that the leaders emphasized the importance of strengthening economic integration among GCC countries, adding “This includes establishing a unified Gulf market and customs union while enhancing the economic capabilities of member states.”

The summit also highlighted the need for launching joint programs to improve essential services such as electricity and water, with a strong focus on advancing technology and the digital economy. On regional and international issues, the minister underscored the necessity of unifying efforts among GCC states to address common challenges, ensuring regional stability and fostering strategic partnerships to achieve security and peace at both regional and global levels.

The minister affirmed that the leaders called for supporting the digital economy and implementing developmental projects that contribute to sustainable growth for the region’s people, further cementing the GCC’s position as a leading entity on the global stage.