Riyadh, March 04, 2024, The 159th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, held on March 3, 2024, at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, addressed a multitude of significant issues under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
In attendance were high-ranking officials including UAE Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Kingdom of Bahrain Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Sultanate of Oman Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, State of Kuwait Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi.
The council issued a comprehensive statement, highlighting key topics including territorial disputes, condemnation of Israeli aggression, counterterrorism efforts, religious tolerance, and regional security. Among the notable declarations:
- The council affirmed the joint ownership of the Durra field by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, rejecting the claims of any other parties.
- It condemned Israeli aggression on Gaza and called for immediate cessation of military operations and delivery of humanitarian aid.
- The council denounced Iran's occupation of islands belonging to the UAE and reiterated support for UAE's sovereignty.
- It reiterated support for Yemen's Presidential Council and emphasized the need for a political resolution in line with relevant agreements and UN resolutions.
- The council expressed commitment to Iraq's stability and sovereignty, as well as support for Jordan's efforts against terrorism and drug trafficking.
- Water security for Egypt and Sudan, territorial integrity for Syria and Lebanon, and stability for Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Afghanistan were underscored.
The session concluded with a call for concerted efforts to restore security and stability in Afghanistan and condemnation of all forms of terrorism targeting civilians.
