Foreign Minister chairs 148th GCC Ministerial Council session meeting

Riyadh, June 16 (BNA): Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, chaired the meeting of the 148th Session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting was held today at Prince Saud Al Faisal Conference Center, at the headquarters of the GCC Secretariat General in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It convened in the presence of the GCC Ministers of Foreign Affairs, with the participation of GCC Secretary General, Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf. In his inaugural speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs congratulated the GCC countries’ leaders and citizens on the 40th anniversary of the joint Gulf action, noting that this march is proceeding with determination and confidence towards its lofty goals to preserve the security and stability of the GCC states and the interests of their people. He described the GCC outstanding achievements as an impetus towards greater solidarity and cooperation, and to continue the efforts with sincerity and dedication to further boost Gulf integration in various fields. He said that the challenges facing the region cast a shadow over the course of Gulf cooperation, and require vigilance, caution, hard-working, and permanent cooperation to preserve the security and stability of the GCC member states as well as defend their sovereignty, independence and supreme interests. The Foreign Minister added that in light of the political and security conditions in the region, and regional challenges, the Palestinian cause remains a major issue and the key to security and peace in the region. He pointed out the need for continuous cooperation to support the efforts of the Palestinian authority, alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people and support their legitimate right to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the international legitimacy resolutions. He noted the importance of continuing the efforts to achieve peace and security in the brotherly Arab countries, whose people have suffered from the scourge of war, destruction, displacement and asylum, in light of the international community’s disregard of the right of those peoples to security, peace and human dignity. The minister expressed pride and appreciation for the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a ceasefire in Yemen, under the supervision of the United Nations in order to end the war in Yemen and pave the way for a comprehensive and lasting political solution to the Yemeni crisis in accordance with internationally approved references. He stressed support of the GCC member states and their full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people against any attempt to undermine its security, stability and territorial integrity. He also addressed terrorism and the need to combat it, adding the importance of working to confront foreign interference in the internal affairs of the Arab countries, describing that as a serious threat to Arab national security and a clear violation of international laws. He praised the sincere efforts of the member states’ Ministries of Health and relevant agencies to handle the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, including the precautionary and preventive measures, the economic stimulus packages they provided, and the requirements for tests, treatment and free vaccination for all citizens and residents alike, to preserve the safety and health of all. The Foreign Minister commended the tireless efforts of the Secretariat General to organize the meetings of the specialized ministerial committees and technical committees and to meet the tasks assigned with them, especially in these difficult circumstances resulting from the Corona pandemic. The Ministers of Foreign Affairs discussed the topics on their agenda, which were submitted by the relevant ministerial committees and the Secretariat General. The meeting also reviewed the decisions implemented by the Supreme Council and the Ministerial Council, and what has been accomplished within the framework of achieving GCC integration and cooperation. The ministers also discussed issues related to dialogues and strategic relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council and international countries and blocs, in addition to the latest regional and international developments.