Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated today in the 46th Extraordinary Meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in the State of Kuwait.
The meeting discussed the latest developments in the region, particularly concerning Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza. The Ministerial Council emphasized the importance of respecting Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, while rejecting any external interference in its internal affairs. They expressed their support for all efforts to achieve a comprehensive political transition that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people.
The Ministerial Council welcomed steps taken to ensure the safety of civilians, prevent bloodshed, achieve national reconciliation, and preserve Syria’s state institutions and resources.
The Council also called for enabling Syria’s economic recovery, lifting sanctions against it, and providing all forms of support to the Syrian people.
The Council strongly condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on Syria, including the occupation of the buffer zone on the Syrian border and Israeli decisions to expand settlements in the occupied Golan Heights. These actions constitute a grave violation of the UN Charter, principles of international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions.
The Council reaffirmed the GCC countries’ position in support of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity. They stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive political and economic reforms and preventing Lebanon from becoming a base for terrorism, drug smuggling, and activities that threaten regional security and stability. The Council also underscored the importance of the Lebanese security forces’ role in addressing these challenges.
The Council condemned the ongoing Israeli aggressions against Lebanon, emphasizing the necessity of implementing Security Council resolutions, particularly the Taif Agreement, ensuring respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty, and extending the Lebanese government’s authority over all its territory.
They also highlighted the significant assistance provided by GCC countries to the Lebanese people to meet their humanitarian needs.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ministerial Council reaffirmed the unwavering support of the GCC for the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.
They expressed hope for the success of Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. mediation efforts to secure the release of detainees, stressing the urgent need for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, lifting the blockade on Gaza, opening all crossings unconditionally, and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian, relief, and medical aid to meet the needs of Gaza’s residents.