KUWAIT: Discussions at the GCC summit, held in Kuwait on Monday, highlighted the GCC’s commitment to global peace, security, and humanitarian efforts. From supporting Afghanistan’s stability to contributing to mediation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the GCC emphasized its proactive involvement in global diplomacy.

Economic relations

The council directed efforts to further strengthen economic ties between the GCC and international countries and economic blocs to enhance mutual trade and investment interests. It welcomed the conclusion of free trade agreement negotiations with South Korea and New Zealand. Additionally, the council endorsed a joint statement regarding the commencement of free trade negotiations between the GCC and Turkey.

Afghanistan

The council emphasized the importance of restoring security and stability in Afghanistan to meet the aspirations of the Afghan people and contribute to regional and international peace and security. Leaders stressed the need to ensure women’s rights to education and work, protect minorities, and prevent the use of Afghan territory by any terrorist groups. Additionally, they highlighted the critical issue of ensuring Afghanistan’s land is not used for the production or trafficking of drugs.

Russia-Ukraine

Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the council reaffirmed that the GCC’s position is based on the principles of international law, the UN Charter, and the maintenance of international order, which emphasizes respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and refraining from the use or threat of force. The council expressed support for the mediation and initiatives led by GCC countries and their efforts to contribute to a political solution to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine.

This includes meetings of National Security Advisors held in Jeddah, Copenhagen, and Doha. The council commended the successful mediation efforts of the UAE between Russia and Ukraine, which led to the exchange of 1,994 prisoners of war between the two sides. Additionally, it praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts in facilitating the release of detainees and the exchange of prisoners, as well as Qatar’s successful mediation in reuniting Ukrainian and Russian children with their families. The council lauded the collective efforts of GCC countries in facilitating prisoner exchanges, emphasizing their commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity in building peace and stability.