Gulf Foreign Ministers Discuss Unifying Stance on Regional, International Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)
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Gulf Foreign Ministers Discuss Unifying Stance on Regional, International Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers after their meeting in Kuwait (KUNA)

Gulf foreign ministers met on Thursday to discuss key regional and international issues, including the Palestinian conflict and ongoing violations in Palestinian territories.

They called for an immediate ceasefire and a fair, lasting solution to the conflict. The ministers also reviewed security developments in Lebanon and other regional matters.

The discussions aim to prepare a unified stance for the 45th Gulf Cooperation Council summit in Kuwait next Sunday, where it will be presented to the leaders.

Led by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the foreign ministers met to discuss boosting Gulf cooperation across various areas. They aimed to build on past efforts and continue advancing progress in different sectors.

GCC leaders will gather on Sunday to discuss key regional and international issues and strengthen Gulf cooperation.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attended the 162nd preparatory meeting for the summit in Kuwait on Thursday.

The meeting focused on the Gulf's shared progress and ways to improve it, as well as the latest developments in Gaza and Lebanon. Ministers called for an immediate ceasefire and a fair, lasting solution to the Palestinian cause.

The meeting also reviewed reports on the implementation of decisions from the 44th GCC summit and discussed strategic relations with other countries and global groups.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations at the GCC, Dr. Abdulaziz Al-Owaishiq, stated that the upcoming GCC summit will address key regional issues, in addition to military, security, and economic matters that impact Gulf citizens.

Thursday’s meeting was chaired by Al-Yahya, with heads of delegations from GCC member states in attendance, along with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi.



21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
TT

21 Countries Sign Makkah Agreement on Cooperation in Combating Corruption

Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)
Saudi Arabia looks forward to activating the outputs of the second meeting of the anti-corruption law enforcement agencies to achieve common interests (SPA)

The second ministerial meeting of the Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Agencies in the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), hosted in Doha over two days, witnessed the signing of the Makkah Agreement on cooperation among OIC member states in combating corruption by 21 member states.

The large number of signatories on the same day represents a historic milestone, expected to expedite the ratification process and bring the agreement into force. This development underscores the member states’ awareness of the dangers posed by corruption and related crimes, as well as their commitment to strengthening cooperation in addressing these challenges.

In this context, the OIC General Secretariat called on the remaining member states to promptly sign and ratify the Makkah Agreement on anti-corruption cooperation, emphasizing its importance in establishing a framework for collective action against this serious threat.

The agreement aims to enhance collaboration between anti-corruption authorities, ensuring efficient and timely operations. It also advocates for joining the Riyadh Global Initiative (GlobE Network), which provides a legal framework for the direct and swift exchange of information and investigations. This initiative is expected to prevent corruption and limit safe havens for corrupt individuals.

Mazin Al-Kahmous, President of Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to making anti-corruption a core pillar of its Vision 2030.

Speaking at the second ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities from the OIC member states, Al-Kahmous highlighted the far-reaching consequences of cross-border corruption on Islamic societies and their development. He underscored that united efforts at the local and international levels are crucial for fostering prosperity and supporting the sustainable development goals of Islamic nations.

Al-Kahmous further recalled Saudi Arabia’s leadership in hosting and presiding over the first ministerial meeting, which led to the adoption of the Makkah Agreement that he described as an ideal framework for enhancing anti-corruption efforts and strengthening international collaboration in this area.

He also welcomed the adoption of a Saudi-proposed resolution encouraging cooperation between OIC member states, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and other relevant organizations to develop methodologies and indicators for measuring corruption.

The first ministerial meeting of anti-corruption law enforcement authorities in OIC member states was convened by Saudi Arabia during its chairmanship of the 14th Islamic Summit. Organized in collaboration with the OIC, the event brought together leaders of anti-corruption law enforcement agencies, international organizations, and a distinguished group of local and global experts.