Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stressed on Tuesday the council’s firm support for Lebanon and everything that can bolster its security, stability and sovereignty.
Albudaiwi sponsored a symposium on GCC relations with Lebanon, “Challenges and Drivers”, organized by the Political Affairs and Negotiations Sector at the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The event was attended by a number of ambassadors to Saudi Arabia, as well as officials and experts.
Albudaiwi said GCC countries “view Lebanon as an integral part of its Arab surroundings and an important pillar of regional stability.”
“Relations between the GCC countries and Lebanon are historic and robust, built and consolidated on many foundations and bonds, foremost among them the bond of brotherhood, which has remained unchanged despite all developments and circumstances,” he stressed.
The leaders of GCC countries have repeatedly underlined the need for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 in Lebanon. They have also repeatedly expressed their support for Lebanon’s state institutions, added Albudaiwi.
“The GCC welcomes the steps taken by the government to extend the state’s control over all Lebanese territory and ensure that arms are held exclusively by the state, as an indispensable foundation for restoring stability and building trust with the Arab and international communities,” he went on to say.
“During our visits to Beirut and our meetings with Lebanese leaders, we were keen to convey a clear message that the GCC countries will remain an active partner in supporting Lebanon and its recovery,” he remarked.
He acknowledged the complex challenges Lebanon is currently facing, which require concerted international efforts to support and assist it.
He noted that the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah, which resulted in the displacement of more than a million people and left more than 2,000 dead, places Lebanon before a major humanitarian and security challenge.
Albudaiwi stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with the international community and regional organizations to support the capabilities of the Lebanese army, control borders, and combat smuggling and illicit activities, “to restore Lebanon’s position as a trusted partner within its Arab and international surroundings.”
“GCC countries will remain by Lebanon’s side,” he declared.
“Lebanon’s future begins from within, through the will of its people and their ability to build a strong and stable state,” he stressed.
He expressed confidence that Lebanon “is capable of overcoming its crises and returning to its natural role within its Arab surroundings, with the support of its brothers and friends, the determination of its people, and the wisdom of its leadership.”
