Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed that the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the ongoing violations in Gaza are the root causes of the escalating crises in the region.
Albudaiwi made the remarks at the "Alpbach Forum 2024" event, which is organized by Austria's Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs as part of the United Nations-Austria initiative on "Multilateral Partnerships: Strengthening Cooperation.”
The event is taking place from August 24 to 26 in the city of Alpbach, Austria.
In his remarks, Albudaiwi called on the international community, including all states and organizations, to take a serious stand to confront the Israeli occupation and hold it accountable for its ongoing violations. He also called for supporting the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders.
Albudaiwi reiterated the call of the GCC to convene an international conference with the participation of all concerned parties to discuss ways to end the Israeli occupation and establish the independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Moreover, he called for reforming and supporting the role of the United Nations and its agencies in maintaining international peace and security, ensuring that these entities are not marginalized in an era witnessing an unprecedented global instability. He affirmed that the GCC believes that collective support for the United Nations is essential to overcome these difficult times and adhere to the principles of global governance.
Albudaiwi warned of the new threats facing regional and international security, emphasizing that the use of armed proxies by states, the increased risk of the proliferation of nuclear weapons, and the developments of artificial intelligence in information warfare, are all factors that increase the intensity of tensions. He stressed the importance of diplomatic solutions to prevent conflicts.
Additionally, Albudaiwi underlined the GCC Vision for Regional Security, which was adopted in 2023, highlighting diplomacy and international cooperation as the cornerstone of the strategy to maintain regional and international stability and ensure sustainable peace and security.
Albudaiwi indicated that the GCC member states continue to support peaceful solutions to conflicts. He highlighted the council's recent initiatives aimed at enhancing the appropriate conditions for negotiations, boosting international law, and adhering to the principles of the United Nations Charter regarding sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The GCC secretary general added that the council will continue to provide humanitarian assistance in the affected areas, recognizing the severe impact of these conflicts on food security and the well-being of civilians.
He highlighted the GCC efforts and commitment to alleviate humanitarian suffering in Yemen, Sudan, and other crisis-hit areas.
