Foreign Ministers Meet ahead of GCC Summit

Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.
Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.
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Foreign Ministers Meet ahead of GCC Summit

Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.
Gulf foreign ministers meet ahead of the GCC summit.

The foreign ministers of member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council held on Sunday a preparatory meeting ahead of the council’s upcoming 41st summit.

The meeting, which was chaired by Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif al-Zayani, was held virtually amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.

The talks covered the agenda of the summit and relevant recommendations on bolstering joint Gulf work in political, economic and social fields. The agenda will also tackle latest regional developments.

The summit is scheduled for January 5.

Sunday’s meeting included the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait. Qatar’s foreign minister was absent. He was represented by the minister of state for foreign affairs.

The Bahraini foreign ministry said that Zayani expressed his “complete confidence in the wise Saudi leadership and its central role in maintaining Gulf unity” and overcoming the current rift among its members.

He hoped that the row would be resolved so that a new phase of dialogue among Gulf countries would be established in order for them to achieve common goals.

He stressed the need to combat terrorism and end all regional conflicts and disputes through peaceful means, international agreements and the principle of good neighborliness.

Earlier this month, Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Ahmed Nasser al-Mohammed Al-Sabah revealed that “fruitful” talks have been held to resolve the Gulf rift between Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE and Egypt with Qatar.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan had stated that resolving the dispute was within reach.

Bahrain will assume the presidency of the GCC in January.



Albudaiwi, Holds Separate Discussions with Guterres, Kallas on Latest Regional Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
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Albudaiwi, Holds Separate Discussions with Guterres, Kallas on Latest Regional Issues

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi discussed developments in the Middle East and efforts to de-escalate tensions with UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

During a phone call, the two sides reviewed a range of regional and international issues of mutual concern, with particular focus on the latest developments related to Israeli military operations targeting the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as ongoing efforts to promote de-escalation and enhance regional security and stability, SPA reported.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the commitment of the GCC member states to supporting international and UN-led efforts, as reflected in the statement issued following the 48th Extraordinary Ministerial Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council on regional developments.

The council underscored the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to preserve regional security and stability. It also called on all parties to work collaboratively to de-escalate tensions, prioritize diplomacy as a constructive means of resolving conflicts, and exercise maximum restraint to shield the region and its people from the dangers of war.

For his part, Guterres praised the GCC’s positive role in supporting de-escalation efforts and promoting regional security. He emphasized the United Nations’ desire to strengthen cooperation with the GCC across various areas of shared priority.

Also, Albudaiwi discussed developments in the Middle East with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas during a phone call.

During their talks, they discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and international efforts to advance the peace process, in addition to exchanging views on ways to elevate regional and international coordination to foster security and stability in the region.

Both officials stressed the need to move forward in supporting de-escalation efforts in the region to achieve lasting peace in the region and the world.