The GCC Ministerial Council reaffirmed its support for Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and stability, condemning foreign interventions and Israeli attacks, and called for lifting sanctions to aid Syria's recovery.
Kuwait, December 27, 2024 – The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened its 46th extraordinary meeting on Thursday in the State of Kuwait to address the evolving situations in both the Syrian Arab Republic and the Lebanese Republic, two key issues affecting regional stability. The meeting, chaired by Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait, and President of the Ministerial Council, brought together foreign ministers from across the GCC, including Khalifa Shaheen Al-Marar of the UAE, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani of Bahrain, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, Badr Hamad Al-Busaidi of Oman, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi of Qatar, and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the GCC Secretary General. The meeting underscored the Council’s continued commitment to addressing regional conflicts through dialogue, cooperation, and proactive measures.
The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its strong stance on Syria, emphasizing the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic. The Council condemned foreign interventions in Syria’s internal affairs and highlighted the necessity to combat terrorism, extremism, and instability that continue to plague the region. The Council expressed its support for a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process aimed at fulfilling the aspirations of the Syrian people for peace, stability, and development. It emphasized that Syria’s security and stability are integral to regional security, stressing the need for all parties to unite for national reconciliation and the restoration of Syrian sovereignty. Notably, the GCC ministers welcomed efforts to ensure civilian safety, prevent further bloodshed, and restore Syrian state institutions. They also underscored the importance of dissolving militias and ensuring that the state retains the exclusive authority over the use of force. The Council hailed the call by the UN Secretary General to establish a UN mission to assist in Syria’s transitional process, reflecting their commitment to a peaceful resolution based on UN principles of sovereignty, non-interference, and good neighborliness.
The Council also expressed strong concern over Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, particularly the continued occupation of the Golan Heights and the expansion of settlements there. The GCC strongly condemned these actions as violations of international law, emphasizing the need for Israel to withdraw from occupied Syrian lands in accordance with relevant UN resolutions. To support Syria’s recovery, the Council called for the lifting of sanctions imposed on Syria and encouraged international partners to provide humanitarian assistance to help the Syrian people rebuild their country.
Regarding Lebanon, the Ministerial Council reiterated its firm commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. The Council called for comprehensive political and economic reforms to help Lebanon overcome its political and economic crisis, and prevent the country from becoming a platform for terrorism, drug smuggling, or other activities that threaten regional security. The GCC ministers strongly condemned Israeli aggressions in Lebanon, particularly attacks that have resulted in the loss of civilian lives, displacement, and destruction of critical infrastructure. They also expressed concern over attacks on UN peacekeeping forces and called for strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
The Council emphasized the importance of implementing Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, to restore lasting peace and stability. The Council supported the Quint Group’s efforts to address Lebanon’s political and economic crises and called for the prompt holding of presidential elections and the implementation of reforms to stabilize the country. The GCC expressed its support for Lebanon’s armed forces and internal security forces, recognizing their role in safeguarding Lebanon’s stability and security. The ministers also acknowledged the humanitarian aid provided by GCC countries to Lebanon, supporting the country’s urgent needs.
The Council also reaffirmed the GCC's continued commitment to supporting the Palestinian people, particularly in the context of the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of a permanent ceasefire, the lifting of the siege, and the opening of humanitarian aid crossings. The GCC ministers expressed their support for Qatari-Egyptian-American efforts to secure the release of hostages and detainees in Gaza, further reinforcing the region’s resolve to defend Palestinian rights and ensure their legitimate aspirations for peace and security.