The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States of America (US) recently held a joint ministerial meeting in New York, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Sheikh Mohammed Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. The meeting included GCC foreign ministers and GCC Secretary General Jasem Al Budaiwi, who expressed their shared commitment to the strategic partnership between the GCC and the US. They pledged to strengthen consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all fields, building upon the achievements of previous ministerial meetings.
One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state, existing in peace and security alongside Israel along the 1967 borders, with mutually agreed land swaps, in accordance with internationally recognized parameters and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative. The Ministers stressed the importance of allowing all civilians displaced after October 7 to return to their homes, highlighting their conviction that a durable peace will lead to a more integrated, stable, and prosperous region. They also emphasized the need to boost transparency within the Palestinian Authority.
The Ministers affirmed their support for unified Palestinian-led governance in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, committing to supporting Palestinian aspirations of self-determination and ensuring that Palestinians are at the center of post-conflict governance and security in Gaza. They also expressed their support for improving the quality of life for Palestinians, including providing humanitarian assistance and accelerating economic growth. The Ministers also expressed concern over rising violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and stressed the need to hold the perpetrators accountable.
In addition to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Ministers also discussed the importance of protecting all holy sites and places of worship in Al Quds city (Jerusalem) and preserving the historical status quo, recognizing the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard. They pledged to work together to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, secure the release of prisoners and detainees, and refrain from actions that could undermine progress towards a diplomatic solution.
Furthermore, the Ministers praised the efforts made by Oman and Saudi Arabia to encourage a comprehensive Yemeni dialogue and provide economic and humanitarian assistance to Yemen. They affirmed their commitment to contributing to regional security, stability, and prosperity within the framework of the GCC-US strategic partnership. They also emphasized the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in relations between countries, as outlined in the Bahrain Declaration issued in May 2024.
In conclusion, the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the US in New York highlighted the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two entities, particularly in addressing key regional issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the situation in Yemen. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working together towards promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region while upholding the principles of tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human rights.
