KUWAIT: Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya underscored the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) instrumental role in fortifying regional security and stability while addressing challenges confronting the Muslim and Arab worlds. Speaking at a joint press conference alongside GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Al-Yahya, who chaired the 163rd GCC Ministerial Council meeting, said discussions centered on strengthening cooperation across political, economic, security, and developmental sectors in accordance with GCC leaders’ directives.

On the sidelines of the 163rd session, ministerial meetings were held with counterparts from Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and Jordan. Al-Yahya described these engagements as valuable platforms for exchanging views on pressing international and regional issues. He reaffirmed the GCC’s steadfast commitment to supporting the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Addressing the Syrian crisis, Al-Yahya reiterated the GCC’s support for a political resolution in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. He emphasized the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and sovereignty while ensuring the safe return of refugees. He also highlighted the GCC’s continued efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people through humanitarian aid and relief initiatives.

Al-Yahya noted that the council deliberated on various regional developments of mutual concern, reaffirming the GCC’s commitment to fostering cooperation and integration across multiple sectors. He emphasized the council’s dedication to working closely with regional and international partners to enhance security and stability in the region. Responding to a query regarding the reopening of Kuwait’s embassy in Syria, Al-Yahya confirmed that the embassy remains operational and that diplomatic appointments would be announced soon. On Lebanon, he stated that support would be extended through development funds and direct investments. Regarding sanctions on Syria, Al-Yahya affirmed that efforts would be made to explore viable solutions while urging friendly nations to ease restrictions.

Expressing gratitude, Al-Yahya thanked the foreign ministers of GCC states, Syria, Morocco, and Jordan, along with the GCC Secretary-General and the Secretariat, for their efforts in organizing and preparing the successful meeting. He also extended appreciation to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan for his warm hospitality.

Meanwhile, GCC Secretary-General Al-Budaiwi reviewed the topics discussed during the joint meetings with Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and Jordan. He emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic relations and joint efforts to promote shared interests. Al-Budaiwi also highlighted discussions on implementing resolutions from the 45th GCC Supreme Council summit, held in Kuwait in 2024.

Meanwhile, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is actively working to integrate the informal sector into official economies as part of broader economic development strategies, contributing no more than 18 percent of the region’s GDP, according to a senior Kuwaiti diplomat. Speaking at the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, Chair of the GCC Ambassadors Council and Kuwait’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Nasser Al-Hayen, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to protecting labor rights and ensuring social security for all workers in alignment with national and economic frameworks. 

Al-Hayen stressed the significance of bolstering formal economies to drive economic growth, financial stability, and social inclusion by providing essential services to all societal segments. He highlighted various measures undertaken by GCC governments to facilitate the integration of the informal sector, including streamlining small business registration processes, enhancing tax systems, and leveraging digital solutions to improve transparency and financial accessibility.

He also pointed to the robust regulatory frameworks in place to safeguard workers from discrimination, exploitation, and abuse, ensuring dignity and fairness regardless of employment status. Al-Hayen reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to advancing global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reduce inequalities, and enhance access to essential services.

Emphasizing a tailored approach, Al-Hayen noted that policies for integrating the informal sector should reflect the specific national contexts of each GCC country. He further expressed the GCC’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to exchange best practices and drive forward efforts in this critical area. - KUNA