BEIRUT: Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya reaffirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) strong commitment to Lebanon during a visit to Beirut on Friday.

At a press conference with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bouhabib, Al-Yahya emphasized the GCC’s dedication to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity. “We reaffirm the GCC’s demand for adherence to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the cessation of any aggressions by Zionist occupation forces on Lebanese territory and UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL),” said Al-Yahya, who is the current President of the GCC Ministerial Council.

This visit follows a directive from GCC member states, in line with the outcomes of the 46th Extraordinary Ministerial Council meeting held in Kuwait on December 26, 2024, which addressed the situations in Syria and Lebanon. The visit conveys a message of solidarity from the GCC, reaffirming the council’s commitment to preserving Lebanon’s unity and territorial integrity.

The visit also underscored the need for comprehensive political and economic reforms to help Lebanon overcome its ongoing crises. Al-Yahya emphasized that the Lebanese people have a “historic opportunity” to shape their future, rebuild their country, and achieve their aspirations for security and prosperity.

BEIRUT: Lebanese Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati (right) meets with GCC officials, including Kuwait's Foreign Minister Al-Yahya and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Al-Yahya.

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam is seen with Al-Yahya during his official visit to Beirut.

(From left) Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bouhabib, and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi hold a press conference on January 24, 2025.

He reiterated the importance of implementing key UN Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, to ensure permanent stability and security in Lebanon. Additionally, he highlighted the vital role of Lebanon’s Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces in maintaining sovereignty and extending state authority across the country.

During the visit, Al-Yahya met with Lebanese leaders, including Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam. He also conveyed greetings from Kuwait’s leadership to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Bouhabib expressed gratitude for Kuwait’s continued support, particularly its diplomatic efforts that helped ease tensions in 2022, following a dispute between Lebanon and the GCC triggered by controversial comments from Lebanon’s then-Information Minister Georges Kordahi regarding the Saudi-led intervention in Yemen. Bouhabib praised Kuwait as a “wise, moderate, and open country” and noted that GCC member states have long hosted Lebanese citizens.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s support for Lebanon’s security, emphasizing the importance of assisting Lebanon’s army and internal security forces. He also rejected efforts to turn Lebanon into a base for terrorism, drug trafficking, or regional instability. He called on international partners to enhance regional and international cooperation to support Lebanon, stressing that Lebanon’s stability is crucial for the region. Al-Budaiwi expressed hope that Lebanon’s new government would meet the aspirations of its people and succeed in implementing essential reforms. — Agencies