GCC Urges Russia, Ukraine to Return to Diplomacy

A Ukrainian soldier looks through binoculars at a military check point, in Lityn, Ukraine, March 16, 2022. (AP)
A Ukrainian soldier looks through binoculars at a military check point, in Lityn, Ukraine, March 16, 2022. (AP)
TT

GCC Urges Russia, Ukraine to Return to Diplomacy

A Ukrainian soldier looks through binoculars at a military check point, in Lityn, Ukraine, March 16, 2022. (AP)
A Ukrainian soldier looks through binoculars at a military check point, in Lityn, Ukraine, March 16, 2022. (AP)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed “grave concern” about the humanitarian situation in Ukraine and called for the need to return to diplomacy and resort to dialogue and peaceful negotiations between the parties to the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.

The GCC issued a statement before the United Nations general assembly’s emergency session on Ukraine, reaffirming that “GCC states are following up with deep concern the deteriorating situation in the Republic of Ukraine.”

The statement was delivered by Saudi Arabia's deputy representative to the UN Mohammed Al-Ateeq.

Al-Ateeq stressed that GCC countries are following with great concern and regret the repercussions of the situation in Ukraine, especially on humanitarian affairs, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The representative said GCC countries are committed to well-established principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations that govern relations between states and are based on respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

Al-Ateeq reiterated that the GCC states have friendly relations with all parties, and appreciate and encourage the efforts made by all actors to spare civilians more suffering, noting that in this regard, the GCC commends the efforts made by the countries that hosted those fleeing conflict areas without discrimination.

On behalf of the GCC, he called on all parties to abide by their obligations towards international law and international humanitarian law, especially with regard to the protection of civilians and refraining from targeting or destroying any vital installations.

He praised the tireless efforts spent by the UN and humanitarian organizations to respond urgently to humanitarian needs, most notably dispatching a humanitarian aid convoy to the city of Sumy, which took place after an agreement between the parties to the conflict.

GCC states hope that this initiative will be a step in the way of reaching a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis, said Al-Ateeq.



Saudi, Egyptian FMs Review Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

The Saudi and Egyptian delegations meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Egyptian delegations meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)
TT

Saudi, Egyptian FMs Review Bilateral Ties, Regional Developments

The Saudi and Egyptian delegations meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)
The Saudi and Egyptian delegations meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah held talks in Cairo on Tuesday with his Egyptian counterpart Dr. Badr Abdelatty.

They reviewed relations in various fields and explored ways to support and strengthen them to align with the aspirations of the leaderships and peoples of both countries.

Prince Faisal was in Cairo to attend the 162nd Arab Ministerial Meeting.

Prince Faisal and Abdelatty discussed the final preparations for the launch of the Saudi-Egyptian Coordination Council, chaired by Saudi Crown Prince, and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

The FMs addressed intensifying efforts on regional and international issues of common interest, particularly the crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The talks were attended by Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh Al-Hussaini and Adviser to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Yahya.

While in Cairo, Prince Faisal also met with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan.

He also took part in the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Working Group on Supporting Somalia in Confronting the Assault on its Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity.