Kuwait, November 29, 2024 – Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah represented Saudi Arabia today at the 162nd preparatory ministerial meeting for the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Kuwait. The session, chaired by Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya, who serves as the president of the current session, brought together foreign ministers and senior representatives from across the GCC member states to discuss critical regional and international issues.
A key focus of the meeting was the review of the progress made in joint GCC action, with participants deliberating on ways to strengthen and further develop collaboration among the Gulf states. The meeting underscored the importance of continued cooperation in addressing the region’s political, security, and economic challenges. Furthermore, the ministers took a deep dive into the latest developments in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing crises in Gaza and Lebanon. There was a strong consensus on the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire and for a comprehensive, just resolution to the Palestinian issue.
The meeting also included a thorough examination of several reports related to the follow-up on the implementation of resolutions issued by the 44th session of the GCC Supreme Council. These reports covered a range of subjects aimed at ensuring the effective execution of previous agreements and decisions, particularly those that impact regional stability and collective security.
In addition to these discussions, the foreign ministers explored broader strategic matters concerning the GCC’s dialogue and relations with key global countries and international organizations. These talks highlighted the importance of maintaining robust external partnerships while safeguarding the region’s interests on the global stage.
Attending the meeting alongside Prince Faisal bin Farhan were several prominent Saudi officials, including Saudi Ambassador to Kuwait Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khaled, Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs and General Supervisor of the Public Diplomacy Deputyship Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Alyahya, Assistant Director General of the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed Al-Ismail, and Director of the GCC Affairs Department Anas AlWasedy.
This meeting serves as an important prelude to the upcoming GCC Supreme Council session, where heads of state from the member countries will convene to address broader issues and set the direction for future Gulf cooperation. It also reinforces the GCC’s collective approach to tackling the pressing challenges facing the region and the wider international community.
