|  | | 3/20/2025 11:26 PM |  وليد الدغباسي | 3/20/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the role of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in mediating the release of prisoners between the Russian Federation and Ukraine reflects its regional and international standing in promoting peace, security, and stability.
His Excellency pointed out that the success of the UAE's mediation embodies its firm approach in supporting peaceful solutions and establishing the language of dialogue and peace as a means to resolve conflicts and crises, which contributes to achieving security and stability as well as alleviating the suffering of peoples affected by conflicts.
Moreover, His Excellency mentioned that this mediation represents a true and valuable model to be emulated in promoting the principles of peace at the international level, adding that this success enhances the position of the GCC countries as a reliable partner in global efforts to promote security and peace, and underscores the depth of cooperation and coordination with the international community for a more secure and stable future for all.
| | | HE GCCSG: UAE's Role in Mediating the Release of Prisoners Between the Russian Federation and Ukraine Affirms its Regional and International Standing in Achieving Peace, Security, and Stability | 2025 | | | | 3/18/2025 3:50 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/18/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in an informal meeting of the European Union’s Political and Security Committee, following an official invitation from Her Excellency Ambassador Ms Delphine Pronk, Chair of the Political and Security Committee and Deputy Political Director of the European External Action Service (EEAS). The meeting took place today, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, at the headquarters of the European Union.
In the opening of his speech, His Excellency noted that this session serves to enhance the relations between the GCC and the European Union. "This meeting follows the previous encounter in Riyadh at the General Secretariat of the GCC on November 25, 2024, and reaffirms our commitment to this growing strategic partnership," His Excellency said, adding: "These dialogues will contribute to promoting peace and prosperity in both regions, as the relationship between the two sides has become stronger than ever, based on a strategic consensus in diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic collaboration,"
He pointed out that the recent joint statement from the GCC and the European Union (Brussels, October 2024) is a valuable testament to these deep relations.
He called for continued close cooperation in resolving crises and preventing new ones, using joint diplomatic influence to enhance dialogue over conflict. He also stressed the importance of developing trade and investment aspects, leveraging initiatives such as the Joint Action Programme between the GCC and the European Union to "diversify our economies and create job opportunities for our youth."
Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of intensifying cooperation in energy security and climate action, noting that the energy resources of the GCC countries and the green technologies of the EU can complement each other for a sustainable future. Moreover, he stressed the significance of activating cultural and educational cooperation that enriches our societies through mutual learning and strengthening the bonds of friendship that "make our partnership robust."
He also addressed the issue of Schengen visa exemptions for GCC citizens, underscoring the need for tangible progress in this area.
"The recent joint statement from the GCC-European Union summit reaffirmed both parties' commitment to working towards a +safe and beneficial visa-free travel arrangement+ between the GCC countries and the European Schengen Area," he stated.
He pointed out that this high-level political support reflects "our shared" belief that facilitating travel is a "common interest" once the relevant criteria are met, which will enhance links between peoples and yield significant economic, cultural, and educational benefits for both sides.
Regarding the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two sides, His Excellency mentioned that one of the main components of the economic partnership is the ongoing dialogue surrounding the FTA among the GCC and and the European Union.
"Despite the challenges faced in previous negotiations, both parties recognise the significant benefits that a comprehensive trade agreement would bring. Accordingly, senior negotiators from the GCC and the European Union have been engaged in renewed discussions to assess the situation and explore practical ways to revive the negotiations," His Excellency said, affirming that the GCC region remains a key trade and investment partner for the European Union, and vice versa.
He also reviewed regional diplomatic relations and mediation in crises, noting that the GCC and the European Union have become close partners in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts. This includes discussing the positions and perspectives of the Council's member states on various regional and international issues, foremost among them the Palestinian issue and the tragic situation in Gaza. He commended the European Union's initiative in organising the Ninth Conference in Brussels on Syria and its success in garnering substantial international support and making significant commitments to assist the Syrian people.
In conclusion, His Excellency reiterated that the partnership between the GCC and the European Union serves as a cornerstone for stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity. He stressed the need to continue working together to translate "our shared aspirations into tangible actions", ensuring that "our partnership not only addresses today’s challenges but also paves the way for a more stable and prosperous tomorrow for both the Gulf and Europe."
 
| | | Based on an Official Invitation, His Excellency the GCCSG Participates in an Informal Meeting of the European Union’s Political and Security Committee, on the Sidelines of the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria | 2025 | | | | 3/18/2025 8:23 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/18/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and His Excellency Mr Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, discussed a number of joint initiatives and projects, stressing the importance of enhancing and developing cooperative relations between the GCC countries and the European Union (EU) for the benefit, development, and prosperity of their peoples, serving the interests of both sides.
This discussion took place during their meeting today, Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on the sidelines of the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria.
During the meeting, they reviewed various issues, particularly ways to enhance and develop Gulf-European relations within the framework of strategic partnership. They also followed up on the outcomes of the first summit of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC member states, and the heads of state and government of EU member countries, held in October 2024 in Brussels under the title "Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity."
They emphasised the importance of monitoring and implementing these outcomes to ensure the achievement of the desired goals and to yield positive results before the next summit. Additionally, preparations for the upcoming Gulf-European ministerial meeting scheduled for October in Kuwait were discussed.
Both sides affirmed the necessity of ending the crisis in Gaza in accordance with international resolutions. In this context, His Excellency expressed gratitude to the President of the European Council for the valuable European positions in supporting the Palestinian cause and rejecting the Israeli occupation forces' violations against the Palestinian people in Gaza and other Palestinian territories.
They also acknowledged the significant role of the EU in supporting stability in Syria. Moreover, both sides reiterated their support for all regional and international efforts aimed at ensuring security and stability in the region and the world
  
| | | HE GCCSG&European Council President Discuss Joint Initiatives&Projects, Stressing Importance of Enhancing & Developing Cooperative Ties Among GCC States & EU for the Benefit, Development, & Prosperity of their Peoples, Serving the Interests of Both Sides | 2025 | | | | 3/17/2025 2:16 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/17/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), welcomed the border demarcation agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
His Excellency expressed his hope that this agreement would contribute to the development of relations between the two sides, benefit their two brotherly peoples, and enhance aspects of prosperity and development between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic.
| | | HE GCCSG Welcomes the Border Demarcation Agreement between the Republic of Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic | 2025 | | | | 3/17/2025 8:47 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/17/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Her Excellency Ms Hana Jalloul Muro, Vice-Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament, on Monday, March 17, 2025, in Brussels, Belgium.
During the meeting, they reviewed Gulf-European relations and ways to strengthen and develop them in a way that serves common interests. They also discussed several files related to Gulf-European bilateral relations, including updates on the exemption of GCC citizens from the European Schengen visa. In this context, His Excellency praised the positive proposals and support for this issue he heard from members of the European Parliament.
The outcomes of the first European-Gulf Summit, held in Brussels in October 2024, were also discussed, in addition to the visit that the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament will make to Riyadh to meet with His Excellency the Secretary General at the General Secretariat headquarters.
Moreover, they exchanged views on the latest developments in a number of regional and international issues, foremost among them the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip as a result of the ongoing violations by the Israeli occupation forces against the brotherly Palestinian people.
At the conclusion of the meeting, His Excellency expressed his thanks for the European efforts to lift part of the sanctions imposed on the Syrian Arab Republic, which will contribute to enhancing stability and development for the brotherly Syrian people.
  
| | | HE GCCSG Meets with Vice-Chair of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, Discusses Several Files Related to Gulf-European Bilateral Relations, Primarily Updates on the Exemption of GCC Citizens from the European Schengen Visa | 2025 | | | | 3/17/2025 6:41 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/17/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Her Excellency Ms Dubravka Šuica, European Union (EU) Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs (North Africa and the Middle East), today, Monday, March 17, 2025, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on the sidelines of His Excellency's participation in the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria.
During the meeting, a number of topics of common interest were exchanged, and aspects of cooperation between the two sides were discussed, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC countries and the EU, and a proposal to hold a Gulf-European conference on energy security, with the participation of the public and private sectors in the GCC and the EU.
Views and opinions were also exchanged on developments in regional and international situations, and the need to make the necessary efforts to achieve stability and security in the region and the world was emphasised.
| | | HE the GCCSG Meets with the EU Commissioner for Mediterranean Affairs (North Africa and the Middle East), and They Discuss a Proposal to Hold a GCC-European Conference on Energy Security | 2025 | | | | 3/17/2025 8:33 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/17/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Dr Maksym Subkh, Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa, today, Monday, March 17, 2025, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on the sidelines of His Excellency's participation in the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria.
During the meeting, a number of topics were discussed, foremost among them, the latest developments in the Ukrainian-Russian crisis.
In this context, His Excellency affirmed during the meeting what was stated in the Ministerial Council's statement in its 163rd session regarding the GCC's position on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which is based on the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, the preservation of the international order based on respect for the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity and political independence, non-interference in their internal affairs, and non-use of force or threat thereof.
His Excellency also pointed out the mediation efforts and initiatives undertaken by the GCC countries and their good offices to contribute to reaching a political solution to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, stressing in this context that the GCC countries support all international and regional efforts to resolve the crisis peacefully.
From his side, the Special Representative of Ukraine for the Middle East and Africa appreciated the valuable efforts made by the GCC countries in mediation and the provision of humanitarian and relief assistance to the Ukrainian people.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Ukrainian Representative extended an invitation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to His Excellency the GCC Secretary General to visit Ukraine in the coming period.
| | | HE GCCSG Meets with Ukraine's Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, Who Conveyed to His Excellency an Invitation from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine to Visit Ukraine in the Coming Period | 2025 | | | | 3/17/2025 9:43 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/17/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the outcomes of the first GCC-European Summit come to strengthen the historical relations between the two sides, in a way that serves the common goals, interests, and aspirations of their peoples.
This came during a meeting of His Excellency the GCC Secretary General with Her Excellency Ms Kaja Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, today, Monday, March 17, 2025, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on the sidelines of the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria.
During the meeting, cooperation relations between the GCC countries and the EU were discussed, and the outcomes of the first summit of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries, and the heads and governments of the member states of the EU, which was held in October 2024 in Brussels under the title "Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity," were reviewed.
In addition to exchanging views on the latest regional and international issues in the region, His Excellency praised the efforts made by the EU to contribute to the prosperity, stability, and security of Syria and its brotherly people.
| | | During His Meeting With EU's High Representative For Foreign Affairs & Security Policy, & Vice President of European Commission, HE GCCSG Affirms the Positive Outcomes of First GCC-EU Summit, Serving Common Goals & the Aspirations of Their Peoples | 2025 | | | | 3/17/2025 11:45 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 3/17/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the reconstruction and stability of Syria is a humanitarian and security necessity for the entire region, and therefore, the GCC will remain supportive of all initiatives that put Syria on a path to recovery, a path away from conflicts, based on the foundations of justice, development, and stability.
This came during His Excellency's speech at the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, today, Monday, March 17, 2025, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with the participation of many countries and organisations.
At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the European Union (EU) for the excellent organisation and preparation for this conference, which embodies the international community's commitment to supporting the Syrian Arab Republic and its people, and reflects the common understanding of the magnitude of the challenges "we face at this sensitive stage, and opens the door for reconstruction and development."
His Excellency also praised the presence of His Excellency Mr Asaad Al Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic in the Conference.
"We are meeting today to send a message of hope to the Syrian people that the world has not forgotten them, and that we stand by them at this pivotal moment, a moment that requires all of us to work to coordinate international support efforts for the transitional phase that Syria is going through and the best ways to provide it, and to identify the priorities of the required support, because what is happening in Syria is a humanitarian, political and security challenge that affects us all," His Excellency said.
Furthermore, His Excellency pointed out that the Syrian Arab Republic has witnessed rapid developments recently, which "requires all of us to take a unified position that guarantees the preservation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and that the GCC countries stood by the brotherly Syrian people, based on a firm conviction that a strong, safe and stable Syria is not only in the interest of Syria, but also in the interest of the Gulf, Arab and international community."
"The Ministerial Council of the GCC held its extraordinary session (46) on December 26, 2024, in the State of Kuwait in this context, where it affirmed its support for all efforts aimed at achieving a comprehensive political settlement, and welcomed the steps taken to ensure the safety of civilians, preserve the institutions and capabilities of the Syrian state, and emphasise that limiting weapons to the state is the basis for restoring stability. The Council also supported the call of the Secretary General of the United Nations to establish a UN mission to support the transitional process in Syria, as we believe that the international community must be a partner in rebuilding Syria, not just an observer of events," His Excellency explained.
During his speech, His Excellency also touched on the intensive diplomatic moves of the GCC countries, mentioning his visit with His Excellency Abdullah Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, to the Syrian Arab Republic to meet with the new Syrian leadership in Damascus, which came in response to what was agreed upon at the consultative meeting of the Ministerial Council, which preceded the convening of the 46th extraordinary session of the esteemed GCC Ministerial Council, which was held on December 26, 2024, in the State of Kuwait, in which Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the GCC countries, stressed the importance of sending a unified Gulf message to support and express the Council's solidarity with Syria, and to affirm the GCC's commitment to supporting the Syrian people at this critical stage.
Besides, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General also mentioned that this conference is a continuation of "our joint efforts, as the GCC countries and the General Secretariat participated in the high-level ministerial conference on Syria, which was hosted by the friendly French Republic on February 13, 2025, and the focus was on supporting a comprehensive transitional process and identifying the basic needs for restoring stability in Syria."
"This was preceded by extensive meetings hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on January 12, 2025, to discuss ways to support Syria, seek to lift sanctions on it, and begin providing all forms of humanitarian and economic support, and building the necessary capabilities for reconstruction," His Excellency said, adding: "Because we believe that Syria's recovery requires strong economic support, the Ministerial Council in its recent 163rd session, which was held in Makkah on March 6, 2025, affirmed the lifting of sanctions to enable the Syrian economy to stand on its feet again, and to create the conditions for the return of Syrian refugees to their homes with dignity and safety, and that the GCC urges all partners, countries and organisations concerned to provide all means of support to the brotherly Syrian people."
Furthermore, His Excellency stressed in this context the continuation of the GCC countries' efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to Syria.
His Excellency also welcomed the positive steps taken by the United States of America, the European Union and the United Kingdom in easing some of the sanctions imposed on Syria.
"The Ministerial Council held a joint meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, during the work of the session referred to, to discuss ways to support the brotherly Syrian people and provide all assistance and support to them at this important stage," His Excellency stated.
Additionally, His Excellency said that the GCC countries have spared no effort in providing humanitarian and relief support to the brothers in Syria, and in recognition of the extent of the suffering they still face, the GCC countries have sent hundreds of tons of medical and food aid via air and land bridges, and have implemented dozens of volunteer programmes in the health field, from which more than tens of thousands of people have benefited, in addition to launching training and rehabilitation programmes for specialists in the medical fields, with the aim of supporting the health sector in Syria.
In conclusion, His Excellency stressed that the GCC supports the security and stability of Syria, condemns the repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, rejects the Israeli occupation of the buffer zone, and demands Israel's withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories, stressing that the Golan will remain an Arab Syrian land that the occupation does not change its identity.
"The GCC also rejects any attempts to make demographic changes in Syria, because the future of Syria must belong to its people, and not as a result of external plans or regional calculations," His Excellency stressed.
  
| | | HE GCCSG: Rebuilding & Stability of Syria is Humanitarian & Security Necessity for the Region, & the GCC Will Remain Supportive of All Initiatives That Put Syria on Path to Recovery&Away from Conflicts,Based on Foundations of Justice,Development&Stability | 2025 | | | | 3/16/2025 10:15 AM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 3/16/2025 | Secretary General | | 3 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the GCC states are taking significant and valuable steps to combat Islamophobia, stemming from the belief that Islam is a religion of love, tolerance, and understanding, calling for peace and coexistence among peoples, and urging respect for cultural and religious diversity.
This statement was made by HE the Secretary General on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, where he mentioned that all joint GCC statements, at all levels, reiterate the importance of establishing the values of dialogue and respect among peoples and cultures, rejecting everything that would spread hatred and extremism.
Elaborating further, His Excellency stated: “The GCC states also call for concerted international efforts to promote these principles in all societies, spread a culture of religious tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence, and condemn all statements offensive to Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilization. They emphasise the importance of confronting all forms of hatred, intolerance, negative stereotyping, and distortion of the image of religions.”
Moreover, HE the Secretary General pointed out the efforts made by the GCC states in this field, including the proposal to establish a Gulf scientific observatory to combat extremism, through the Committee of Their Excellencies the Ministers Responsible for Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the GCC states. “This proposal is an important and necessary step, as it will contribute to enhancing the true image of Islam and confronting hate campaigns,” His Excellency said.
Furthermore, HE the Secretary General affirmed the GCC states’ firm positions and decisions regarding terrorism and extremism, regardless of their source, and their rejection of them in all their forms and manifestations, stating: “The GCC states reject any motives or justifications for terrorism and extremism, work to dry up their sources of funding and support international efforts to combat terrorism.”
He also stressed that terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality or ethnic group, and that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values upon which the societies of the GCC states were founded, adding that this is reflected in their dealings with other peoples.
In conclusion of his statement, HE the Secretary General condemned all terrorist acts, affirming the sanctity of shedding blood and rejecting attacks on civilians and civilian facilities, such as schools, places of worship and hospitals. He called on the international and regional community to coordinate constantly to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and undermine stability.
| | | HE GCCSG:GCC States are Taking Significant & Valuable Steps to Combat Islamophobia,Based on Belief that Islam is Religion of Love,Tolerance & Understanding, Calling for Peace & Coexistence among Peoples, & Urging Respect for Cultural & Religious Diversity | 2025 |
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