Kuwait FM Commends Positive Outcomes Of GCC-Japan Ministerial Meeting

(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) KUWAIT, Sept 1 (KUNA) -- Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya and Chair of the Gulf Ministerial Council stated that the GCC-Japan meeting reflected the unity and the solidarity of the GCC, yielding positive results that will only reinforce the shared work, as he commended Japanese Foreign Minister Takashi Iwaya for his role.
This came in a joint press conference held by Al-Yahya and the GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi on Monday after the 165th GCC Ministerial Council, and 2nd GCC-Japan Strategic Ministerial Dialogue.
The Ministerial Council meetings, Al-Yahya said, discussed all sorts of humanitarian, political, economic, and security issues which are central to the GCC's path, reaffirming further cooperation and coordination among member states.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the meeting addressed joint Gulf work, relations with other countries and organizations, as well as regional and international developments.
It also followed up on ongoing negotiations for free trade agreements between the GCC and several economic blocs.
Al-Budaiwi expressed pride in the recent achievements of the Council, noting that they will bring lasting benefits and prosperity to Gulf citizens.
On the political front, foreign ministers and delegation heads discussed regional and international challenges, particularly the crisis in Gaza.
They condemned the grave violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinians, stressing that such actions undermine international law and global stability, while criticizing the international community's failure to hold Israel accountable.
The meeting also featured the second GCC-Japan Strategic dialogue, where ministers invited Japan to join the international coalition recognizing the State of Palestine, Al-Budaiwi noted positive responses from Tokyo, with Japanese officials confirming the issue is under consideration.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2024-2028 joint action plan, which includes cooperation in energy, trade, investment, education, and culture, the GCC urged Japan to expedite steps toward finalizing a free trade agreement. (end)
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