Riyadh, March 04, 2024, The 159th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council took place on March 3, 2024, at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh. Chaired by Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the council addressed a range of issues with representatives from member states in attendance.
The key highlights from the session included:
1. Maritime Dispute Resolution: The council asserted that the entire Durra field lies within the maritime area of the State of Kuwait. Ownership of natural resources in the submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided zone, including the Durra field, is jointly held by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. The council rejected the rights of any other party to this field or the submerged area.
2. Palestinian Issue: The council condemned Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people. Urgent action to cease Israeli military operations, ensure humanitarian aid delivery, and restore essential services in Gaza was emphasized. The council commended efforts for a ceasefire and regretted the failure of the proposed resolution at the Security Council.
3. Counterterrorism and Extremism: The council reaffirmed its stance against terrorism and extremism, rejecting all forms and manifestations. It stressed the importance of drying up financing and supporting international efforts to combat terrorism. The need for tolerance, coexistence, and adherence to principles of good neighborliness was emphasized.
4. Religious Freedom: The council welcomed Denmark's law banning the inappropriate treatment of religious books, criminalizing the burning and desecration of the holy Quran and sacred books. It emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue, respect, and rejecting incitement to religious hatred and extremism.
5. Iran's Occupation: The council reiterated condemnation of Iran's continued occupation of the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands belonging to the UAE. Support for the UAE's sovereign rights over these islands and the call for Iran to engage in direct negotiations or resort to the International Court of Justice were emphasized.
6. Regional Stability: The council stressed the importance of preserving maritime security, countering activities threatening regional and global security, and supporting stability in Yemen, Iraq, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, and Afghanistan.
In its final statement, the council emphasized the imperative of restoring security and stability in Afghanistan, condemned terrorism targeting civilians, and reiterated its commitment to regional and global peace and security.
