Riyadh, April 30, 2024, The joint ministerial meeting for the strategic partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States of America convened today at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, marking a crucial gathering aimed at fostering cooperation and addressing regional challenges.
Chaired by Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and current president of the Ministerial Council, the meeting saw the participation of Foreign Ministers from GCC countries and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The gathering reaffirmed a shared commitment to build upon past achievements, particularly from the previous ministerial meeting held on September 18, with a focus on bolstering consultation, coordination, and cooperation across various domains.
Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the GCC Secretary General, highlighted the strategic nature of the growing partnership between the GCC and the United States. This partnership, aimed at advancing peace, security, stability, integration, and economic prosperity in the region, was central to the discussions.
The meeting addressed a range of international and regional issues of mutual concern. Notably, there was a firm stance articulated regarding the urgent need for an immediate and complete cessation of hostilities in Gaza, cessation of all Israeli military operations, protection of civilians according to international law and humanitarian principles, and removal of restrictions on humanitarian aid access.
Albudaiwi also emphasized the rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians from their lands and condemned acts of violence, settlement expansion, land confiscation, and attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The GCC reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with relevant UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Calling upon the international community, Albudaiwi urged concrete steps towards implementing a two-state solution, recognizing the State of Palestine, and upholding Palestinian rights as enshrined in international law. Additionally, he stressed the critical role of the UN Security Council in maintaining global peace and security, particularly in the region, and urged proactive measures to prevent further escalation and crisis expansion.
