Kuwait FM: GCC Ministerial Council Meeting Boosts Ability To Address Challenges

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- Kuwait Foreign Minister and chair of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, Abdullah Al-Yahya, affirmed on Monday that the meeting reflects the deep-rooted historical ties among member states, enhancing their ability to address current and future challenges.
In his opening remarks at the 165th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, held in Kuwait with the participation of foreign ministers and heads of delegations from member states, Al-Yahya stressed the Council's commitment to fulfilling the aspirations of Gulf people and shaping a future that meets their ambitions while safeguarding shared achievements.
He noted that the meeting coincides with preparations for the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, describing it as a renewed opportunity for coordination, unifying efforts, and ensuring effective and influential Gulf participation amidst accelerating regional and international challenges.
The Minister expressed hope that the upcoming UN General Assembly session would serve as a platform to promote constructive dialogue, uphold universal humanitarian values, and pursue sustainable collective solutions that enhance global peace and security.
He also reiterated the GCC's active role within the international system to achieve a more secure and prosperous future for its people.
Touching on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Al-Yahya said, "This meeting convenes as the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza nears its second year, with Israeli occupation forces continuing to violate the most basic principles of humanity and international norms, including international law, international humanitarian law, and the UN Charter."
He warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid international inability to halt Israeli occupation's aggressive policies targeting civilians and vital infrastructure.
He renewed calls on the international community to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities, ensure full protection of civilians, guarantee unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, and support the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Al-Yahya praised the efforts of Saudi Arabia and the France for jointly hosting the international conference in New York last July on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue and implementation of the two-state solution, which yielded concrete steps within a defined timeframe.
He welcomed countries that expressed their intention to recognize the State of Palestine, urging others to follow suit in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
On Iraq, the Foreign Minister reiterated Kuwait's unwavering commitment to assist Iraq in achieving security, stability and prosperity, an approach that reflects Kuwait's broader dedication to regional peace and stability.
He also welcomed GCC support urging Iraq to address the negative impacts of unilateral decisions taken over the past two years, particularly through the rectification of the legal status of the Khor Abdullah Maritime Navigation Agreement, the resumption of security cooperation under the 2008 Protocol, and the correction of the negotiation framework for maritime border demarcation beyond point 162.
He emphasized the need for Iraq to respect Kuwait's sovereignty over its land, islands, territorial waters, and to base negotiations on international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Al-Yahya reaffirmed that the entirety of the Durra gas field lies within Kuwait's maritime territories and that the natural resources in the divided submerged zone, including the Durra field, are jointly owned by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Both countries alone possess full rights to exploit these resources in accordance with international law and bilateral agreements.
Regarding Syria, the Minister reaffirmed full support for Syria's security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
He urged the international community to back the Syrian government's reconstruction efforts and support steps taken by the Syrian leadership to reject violence and sectarianism and meet the aspirations of the Syrian people.
He strongly condemned the continued incursions by Israeli occupation forces into Syrian territory, describing them as blatant violations of Syria's sovereignty and territorial unity.
On Lebanon, he reaffirmed GCC support for the efforts of President Joseph Aoun to maintain Lebanon's security and stability and to overcome current challenges.
Al-Yahya also expressed anticipation for the GCC-Japan Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting to be held today, emphasizing that Japan is a key international partner for the GCC.
He said this meeting would significantly boost bilateral cooperation and help forge strong partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.
He also noted that although the second joint ministerial meeting with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister could not be held today due to prevailing circumstances in Ukraine, Kuwait and the GCC look forward to rescheduling the meeting in the near future.
He expressed hopes that regional and international initiatives would yield a comprehensive political solution to the Ukrainian crisis in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and principles of sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
Al-Yahya highlighted Kuwait's keenness to host several upcoming high-level events, including the GCC-EU Foreign Ministers' Joint Meeting and the Ministerial Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, both scheduled for October 5 and 6, as well as the Gulf-European Business Forum in November.
He said these platforms represent strategic opportunities to enhance Gulf-European cooperation across political, economic, investment, and development fields, reflecting shared commitment to regional stability and mutual interests.
He warmly welcomed GCC foreign ministers and delegation heads to Kuwait, emphasizing that this session builds on the journey of Gulf cooperation and the commitment of GCC leaders to strengthen integration among member states.
The Minister conveyed the greetings and best wishes of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, for the success of the Council's efforts in serving the common interests of the Gulf peoples.
In conclusion, Al-Yahya extended appreciation for the sincere support extended to Kuwait during its current presidency of the GCC, and for the collective efforts to bolster Gulf unity and address regional and international challenges.
He also thanked GCC Secretary-General Jasim Al-Budaiwi and the General Secretariat team for their valuable efforts in preparing for the meeting.
He prayed for regional security, stability and success to all efforts aimed at advancing Gulf integration the wise leadership of GCC leaders. (pickup previous)
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