The Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States recently reaffirmed the importance of a durable peace for a more integrated, stable, and prosperous region. The meeting, held in New York, was co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The ministers expressed deep concern over recent escalations in the region and their negative impact on security and stability.
The ministers from the GCC and the United States highlighted their shared commitment to the strategic partnership between the two entities, building upon previous achievements from ministerial meetings held in the past. They emphasized the need for strengthening consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all fields. Additionally, the ministers conveyed their support for the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state living in peace and security alongside Israel along the 1967 borders.
Furthermore, the ministers committed to supporting Palestinian aspirations for self-determination and ensuring that Palestinians are central to post-conflict governance and security in Gaza. They also expressed concern over rising levels of violence against Palestinians and called for a halt to unilateral actions, including settlement expansions, that hinder the prospects for peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians. The ministers recognized the importance of protecting holy sites and places of worship in Jerusalem.
The ministers also discussed the need for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages and detainees, emphasizing adherence to international law and humanitarian law. They commended mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States towards achieving a ceasefire, and stressed the urgency for the release of hostages and detainees. Additionally, the ministers acknowledged the generous support provided by the GCC states and the United States in delivering aid to Gaza and called for unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
Moreover, the ministers highlighted the threat posed by advanced ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the region. They reaffirmed their commitment to addressing Iran’s regional activities, promoting diplomatic efforts for de-escalation, ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security, and supporting the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons. The ministers also expressed support for an inclusive peace process in Yemen, emphasizing the need for humanitarian access and calling for an immediate ceasefire.
In conclusion, the Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States reiterated their commitment to contributing to regional security, stability, and prosperity within the framework of the GCC-US Strategic Partnership. They highlighted the importance of defense and security cooperation, to strengthen relations across all fields, and develop collective approaches to regional challenges. The ministers also emphasized the importance of inclusion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in international relations, condemning violence and hate, and calling for respect for human rights in accordance with international law.
