A meeting of foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Sunday highlighted the significance of consolidating Arab unity and fostering the essential elements that promote stability, prosperity, and a promising future for Arab nations and upcoming generations.
The 156th ministerial meeting commended Saudi Arabia’s endeavors in bridging viewpoints, promoting solidarity, preventing violence, and achieving peaceful resolutions in a wide range of domestic and international matters.
The ministers also praised the Kingdom's success in hosting several important international and regional events, including the 32nd Arab Summit on May 19, 2023, in Jeddah.
They commended progress achieved by GCC countries within the framework of their space programs, the efforts of the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of outer space exploration, and the positive impact of this on the development of knowledge, scientific research and practical applications.
- Boosting Joint Gulf Action
GCC ministers reviewed the process of integration among the GCC countries, and stressed the continuity of achieving more coordination, integration and interdependence in all fields, in order to achieve the aspirations of the GCC citizens, the completion of the requirements for finalizing the Customs Union, and the application of full equality in treatment between the citizens of the GCC countries in the fields of the GCC Common Market.
The top diplomats also approved the foreign action plan in the field of human rights (2023-2026).
- Combatting Terrorism
The ministers welcomed the results of the ministerial meeting of the International Coalition to defeat ISIS, which was held in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on June 8, 2023, and affirmed the commitment of GCC countries to continue their efforts within the Coalition, and to support international and regional efforts against all terrorist organizations.
The Council affirmed its firm positions and decisions towards terrorism, whatever its source, and its rejection of all its forms, motives, and justifications, and to work to dry up its sources of financing.
The ministerial meeting condemned all terrorist acts, stressing the sanctity of civilian lives and civilian facilities such as schools, places of worship and hospitals. It affirmed the importance of international and regional coordination to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and stability.
- Iranian Occupation of the Three Islands of the UAE
The GCC ministers reiterated the Council’s firm positions and decisions rejecting Iran’s continued occupation of the three islands of the UAE: The Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa.
They stressed support for the sovereignty of the UAE over its three islands, territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and economic zone, as an indivisible part from the territory of the UAE.
According to the ministers, any practices or actions carried out by Iran on the three islands are null, void and have no effect on the right of the sovereignty of the UAE over its three islands.
The ministers called on Iran to respond to the efforts of the UAE to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice.
- Reviving the Arab Peace Initiative
The ministers affirmed the GCC’s firm positions on the centrality of the Palestinian Cause, its support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Al Quds as its capital, and the guarantee of refugee rights, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions.
They stressed the need to double the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict, in a way that fulfils all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
The GCC ministers commended the efforts made by Saudi Arabia, in cooperation with the Arab League and the European Union, to revive the Arab Peace Initiative and confront Israeli violations.
The meeting also condemned the repeated incursions by Israeli officials and settlers into the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque, saying it poses a serious violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo in the city of Al Quds.
The ministers urged the international community to intervene to stop the targeting of Palestinian presence in Al Quds, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in East Al Quds, attempts to change its legal character, demographic composition, and arrangements for Islamic holy places, and the attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over them in clear violation of the international law, international resolutions, and the existing concluded agreements.
The meeting stressed the need to stop unilateral measures on the part of Israel.
The ministers condemned Israel’s continued construction of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories, and rejected any tendency to annex settlements to Israel or impose Israeli sovereignty over them, in clear violation of international legitimacy resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution No. 2334, calling on the international community to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to reverse its settlement decisions.
Additionally, the ministers praised the generous assistance provided by the GCC countries to support the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and called on the international community to continue supporting it to continue its mission until the return of the Palestinian refugees.
- Iran
The ministers reaffirmed the resolutions of the GCC Supreme Council made during its 43rd session in December 2022 regarding the relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran.
These resolutions emphasized the fundamental principles for enhancing relations, including a steadfast commitment to good neighborliness, mutual respect, adherence to international norms, laws, and agreements, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful resolution of disputes through direct dialogue, and abstaining from the use or threat of force.
These principles are aimed at safeguarding the pillars of security, stability, and peace in the region.
They stressed the importance of Iran’s commitment not to exceed the rate of uranium enrichment required for peaceful uses, and the need to fulfil its obligations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The ministers further confirmed the preparedness of GCC nations to collaborate and effectively address the matter at hand.
They emphasized the importance of their active participation in regional and international negotiations, discussions, and meetings concerning not only the Iranian nuclear program but also all security issues and concerns of the GCC states.
This inclusive approach aims to foster shared objectives and interests, while upholding principles of sovereignty, good neighborliness, and compliance with UN resolutions and international legitimacy. By doing so, they seek to reinforce regional and international security and stability.
They stressed the importance of preserving maritime security and waterways in the region, and addressing everything that might threaten the shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states.
