Albudaiwi: GCC Leaders Emphasize Importance of Upholding Sudan's Sovereignty, Stability

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
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Albudaiwi: GCC Leaders Emphasize Importance of Upholding Sudan's Sovereignty, Stability

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi met on Sunday with Sudan’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dafallah Al Haj Ali and congratulated him on his appointment as ambassador to the Kingdom, wishing him success in his new duties.
Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC Supreme Council's statement from its 44th session, which underscored the importance of safeguarding Sudan's sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity. He also reaffirmed the GCC's support in addressing the impacts of the ongoing crisis in Sudan.

He emphasized the need for de-escalation, prioritizing dialogue, unifying efforts, and alleviating the hardships faced by the Sudanese people.
Albudaiwi further noted the GCC countries' support for United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2736, issued on June 13, 2024. This resolution stresses the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration, which emphasizes the commitment to protect civilians in Sudan, the urgent need for a ceasefire, and the resolution of the conflict through dialogue.
He also welcomed the outcomes of the meetings held in Switzerland on August 14, 2024, which aimed to take immediate and practical steps to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities. Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to working with international partners to restore security and stability in Sudan.
He called on all parties to remove any obstacles to humanitarian aid and to ensure its full, rapid, and safe delivery without hindrances. Additionally, Albudaiwi urged adherence to the statement issued by the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) Group.

This group—which includes Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Switzerland, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations—stressed the necessity of ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid delivery and increasing assistance to Darfur.



Syrian Foreign Minister in Doha to Meet Senior Qatari Officials

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
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Syrian Foreign Minister in Doha to Meet Senior Qatari Officials

Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)
Syria's Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani speaks during a press conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (not pictured), after the ousting of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, in Damascus, Syria, December 30, 2024. (Reuters)

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani, appointed by the country's new rulers, arrived in Qatar on Sunday to meet senior Qatari officials, a Qatari official told Reuters.

The officials include Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Al-Khulaifi.

Syrian official news agency SANA confirmed the arrival of the Syrian delegation, which includes the country's Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and head of intelligence Anas Khattab.

The Syrian minister's visit to Qatar is his second foreign trip less than a month since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted by opposition fighters on Dec. 8.

Al-Shibani is expected to also visit the United Arab Emirates and Jordan this week to "support stability, security, economic recovery and build distinguished partnerships," according to his account on X.

He embarked on his first foreign trip to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, where Saudi officials discussed how best to support Syria's political transition.