Brussels, March 18, 2025 – In a powerful address at the ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering commitment to the reconstruction and stability of Syria, describing it as not just a humanitarian necessity, but a critical security imperative for the entire region. Albudaiwi underscored that the GCC will continue to support all efforts and initiatives that place Syria on a path toward recovery, emphasizing that this recovery must be rooted in the principles of justice, development, and long-term stability, free from the shadows of ongoing conflicts.
Speaking at the conference, which gathered key countries and organizations, Albudaiwi stated, “We are meeting today to send a message of hope to the Syrian people—that the world has not forgotten them, and that we stand by them at this pivotal moment.” He stressed the need for coordinated international support efforts to guide Syria through its transitional phase, asserting that the challenges faced by Syria—be it humanitarian, political, or security-related—are issues that affect not only Syria but the entire region. Albudaiwi’s remarks highlighted the importance of aligning global efforts to address these urgent challenges.
Albudaiwi pointed to the rapid developments in Syria in recent months, stressing that these shifts necessitate a unified position from the international community to preserve Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He emphasized that the GCC’s support for Syria stems from a firm belief that a strong, safe, and stable Syria is not only in the interest of the Syrian people but also essential for the Gulf, the broader Arab world, and the international community at large.
Recalling the GCC Ministerial Council’s extraordinary session held on December 26, 2024, in Kuwait, Albudaiwi reaffirmed the council’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement. He noted that the council welcomed initiatives that ensure the safety of civilians and safeguard the capabilities and institutions of the Syrian state. The GCC also reiterated its strong stance that the restoration of stability in Syria hinges on ensuring that the control of weapons remains with the state, a key condition for re-establishing order.
Further, Albudaiwi expressed the GCC’s full support for the United Nations’ call for a dedicated mission to assist Syria’s transitional process. He stressed that the international community must actively participate in Syria’s reconstruction efforts, not just observe from the sidelines. Highlighting the GCC’s diplomatic actions, Albudaiwi mentioned his recent visit to Syria alongside Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Yahya, where they met with Syrian leadership in Damascus. This visit followed earlier consultations within the GCC Ministerial Council and reinforced the bloc’s commitment to a unified message of support for Syria during its critical transition.
The Secretary-General also pointed to several significant conferences and meetings, including the high-level ministerial conference on Syria hosted by France in February 2025, which focused on supporting Syria’s transitional process and identifying the key needs for restoring stability. Additionally, in January 2025, Saudi Arabia hosted extensive meetings in Riyadh that examined ways to support Syria, lift sanctions, and provide essential humanitarian and economic assistance, alongside rebuilding capabilities for reconstruction.
Albudaiwi further emphasized the GCC’s stance on the economic recovery of Syria, reiterating the Ministerial Council’s position, expressed during its 163rd session in Makkah on March 6, 2025, which called for the lifting of sanctions to facilitate Syria’s economic recovery and to create favorable conditions for the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees. He urged all international partners, countries, and organizations to provide comprehensive support to the Syrian people. Albudaiwi welcomed the positive steps taken by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom in easing some sanctions on Syria, which he said are critical to fostering an environment conducive to reconstruction and recovery.
In addition to these diplomatic and economic measures, Albudaiwi praised the GCC’s ongoing humanitarian and relief efforts, noting that the member countries have sent hundreds of tons of medical supplies, food aid, and other critical resources via air and land bridges. The GCC has also launched volunteer programs in Syria’s health sector, benefiting tens of thousands of people, and has initiated training and rehabilitation programs to support medical professionals in the country. These efforts reflect the GCC’s determination to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people during this tumultuous period.
Albudaiwi concluded his remarks by reiterating the GCC’s firm support for Syria’s security and stability. He condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, rejected Israel’s occupation of the Golan Heights, and called for Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Syrian lands. The GCC Secretary-General emphasized that the Golan remains Syrian Arab land, and any attempts to alter its demographic makeup or impose external plans on Syria’s future would be strongly rejected. "Syria’s future must belong to its people, and not be shaped by external forces or regional agendas," Albudaiwi affirmed.
This speech highlighted the GCC’s ongoing and multifaceted efforts to assist Syria in its path toward peace, stability, and reconstruction, while also emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and a unified approach to addressing the complex challenges facing the country. The GCC’s support for Syria continues to be a central pillar of the region’s diplomatic strategy, underscoring the bloc’s commitment to regional stability and the well-being of the Syrian people.