News

In response to the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Supreme Council held its 43rd session in Riyadh on Friday (December 9, 2022), under the chairmanship of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and with the participation of:

His Highness Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi

Member of the Supreme Council, Ruler of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates.

His Majesty the King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa

King of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

His Highness Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said

Deputy Prime Minister for Cabinet Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Emir of the State of Qatar.

His Highness Shaikh Mishaal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah

Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait.

His Excellency Dr. Nayef Falah M. Al Hajraf, Secretary General of the GCC.

1. The Supreme Council thanked His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for assuming the presidency of the meeting of the Supreme Council in its 43rd session, expressing its appreciation for the keenness and interest included in his opening speech to activate cooperation between the GCC countries in all fields.

2. The Supreme Council expressed its deep appreciation and gratitude for the great and sincere efforts made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and his esteemed government, during the presidency of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of the 42nd session, and the important steps and achievements that were achieved. The Council congratulated His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Sultan of Oman, on the Sultanate of Oman's assumption of the presidency of the 43rd session, wishing it success in strengthening the GCC march in all fields.

3. The Supreme Council commended the outcomes of the GCC-American Summit held in Jeddah on July 16, 2022, within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the United States of America, and the Jeddah Summit for Security and Development between the GCC, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt and the United States of America, and valued their contribution to enhancing security and stability in the region and prosperity for its people.

4. The Supreme Council welcomed the convening of the Riyadh GCC-Chinese Summit for Cooperation and Development and the Riyadh Arab-Chinese Summit for Cooperation and Development on December 9, 2022, and looked forward to their contribution to strengthening cooperation and strategic partnership relations with the Chinese side in a way that achieves common interests between them.

5. The Supreme Council praised the results of the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue "East and West for Human Coexistence", which was held in early November 2022, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, during the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis, Pope of the Vatican, and His Eminence Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Sheikh of Al Azhar and Chairman of the Council of Muslim Elders, to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

6. The Supreme Council welcomed the results of the second edition of the (Green Middle East Initiative) summit, which was held in Sharm El-Sheikh under the chairmanship of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arab Republic of Egypt on November 7, 2022, and the announcement of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, of the Kingdom’s donation of amount of USD2. 5 billion in support of the initiative's projects, stressing the importance of coordinating joint efforts and the commitment of member states to international sustainability efforts in achieving the desired goals of the initiative to reduce global carbon emissions and contribute to increasing the region's capabilities to achieve climate and environmental goals.

7. The Supreme Council praised the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates in confronting climate change, and renewed its welcome and support for the UAE's hosting of COP28 in 2023 to support international efforts in this framework. It also welcomed its declaration of commitment to achieving zero carbon neutrality by 2050. 

8. The Supreme Council commended the success achieved in the parliamentary and municipal elections in the Kingdom of Bahrain, to consolidate political gains, protect achievements and support the process of progress and prosperity in the Kingdom.

9. The Supreme Council commended the Sultanate of Oman’s announcement of adopting the year 2050 as the date for achieving zero-carbon neutrality, and stressed the pioneering importance it attaches to the gradual transition to renewable energy in the Member States, in a way that contributes to improving environmental performance and mitigating the effects of climate change.

10. The Supreme Council expressed its welcome and support for the State of Qatar's hosting of the meetings of the second part of the Fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries (LDC5), from March 5, 2023, to March 9, 2023, at the level of heads of state and government.

11. The Supreme Council praised the success of the State of Qatar in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, its good organisation and its positive effects on human heritage and the civilisational, cultural and intellectual rapprochement between the peoples of the world. It also expressed its condemnation of the malicious media campaigns directed against the State of Qatar.

12. The Supreme Council commended the State of Kuwait's announcement of adopting the year 2050 as the date for achieving carbon neutrality in the oil and gas sectors, and the year 2060 as the date for achieving carbon neutrality at the level of the country as a whole.

13. The Supreme Council affirmed its support for the decisions of the OPEC + group aimed at achieving balance in the oil markets, promoting prosperity for the peoples of the region and the world, and supporting global economic growth.

14. The Supreme Council reviewed the report of the General Secretariat on the progress made in implementing the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, to enhance joint Gulf action, which was approved by the Supreme Council at its 36th session held in December 2015. The Council affirmed the full, accurate and continuous implementation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, including completing the elements of economic unity and the joint defence and security systems, and coordinating positions in a way that enhances the solidarity and stability of the GCC countries, preserving their interests, sparing them regional and international conflicts, meeting the aspirations of their citizens, and enhancing their regional and international role by unifying political positions and developing strategic partnerships with the international community, regional and international organisations, and brotherly and friendly countries.

15. The Supreme Council instructed the ministerial and technical bodies, councils and committees, the General Secretariat and all the Council’s members to redouble efforts to complete the remaining steps to implement the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, according to a specific timetable and keen follow-up, and the Council instructed the General Secretariat to submit a detailed report in this regard to the next session of the Supreme Council.

16. The Supreme Council welcomed the intention of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to present the second phase of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to enhance joint GCC action.

17. The Supreme Council was briefed on the results of the consultations regarding the implementation of the decision of the Supreme Council at its 32nd session regarding the proposal of the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, may God have mercy on him, to move from the stage of cooperation to the stage of union, and directed the Supreme Council to continue efforts to move from the cooperation stage to the union stage, assigning it to the Ministerial Council and the head of the concerned body to complete taking the necessary measures for that, and to submit what its progress to the Supreme Council in its next session.

18. The Supreme Council affirmed its keenness on the strength and cohesion of the Cooperation Council, unity among its members, and the achievement of more coordination, integration and interdependence in all fields, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC countries, stressing that its countries stand together in the face of any threat to any of the countries of the Council.

19. The Supreme Council reviewed the developments of the joint GCC action and the work programme of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority, and directed the importance of accelerating the achievement of economic unity among the GCC countries, and completing the requirements of the customs union, the GCC common market, and the railway project, in accordance with previous decisions of the Council.

20. The Supreme Council approved the Unified Industrial Organisation Law (Act) for the GCC States, the Unified Law (Act) for Transport between the GCC Countries, and the Unified Law (Act) for Management of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture for the GCC Countries, and for the Member States to complete their internal procedures to apply it. The Supreme Council blessed the Factories of the Future (Siri), which was adopted as a guide by the member states.

21. The Supreme Council approved the general framework of the strategic plan for joint media cooperation for the GCC countries 2023-2030, the charter for the preservation of urban heritage in the countries of the Cooperation Council, and the general framework of the GCC strategy for tourism 2023-2030.

22. The Supreme Council took note of the report on the most important achievements made in implementing the decision to examine expatriate workers, prepared by the GCC Health Council.

23. The Supreme Council expressed its satisfaction with the conclusions of the 16th ordinary meeting of their Excellencies the heads of the shura, parliament and national councils in the GCC countries held on September 21, 2022, appreciating the efforts made by the councils in the member states to contribute to strengthening joint GCC action.

24. The Supreme Council affirmed the adoption of the main pillars of energy transitions (energy security, economic development, and climate change) through continuing sustainable investments in hydrocarbon sources to maintain the stability of global energy markets, taking into account technical developments, by adopting the circular carbon economy approach as an integrated and comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges arising from greenhouse gas emissions, and managing them using all available technologies and innovations, in order to ensure the effectiveness, coherence and alignment of the basic pillars.

25. The Supreme Council appreciated the achievements and efforts made by member states in the four pillars of the circular carbon economy approach (emissions reduction, reuse, recycling, and removal) included in the Saudi Green Initiative, and the nationally determined contributions of the GCC states (such as renewable energy projects, energy efficiency, clean hydrogen production, carbon storage and reuse, and nature-based carbon removal solutions) and push for cooperation among the GCC states to implement the circular carbon economy approach in relevant policies, mechanisms, strategies, plans and initiatives, including the Nationally Determined Contributions.

26. The Supreme Council affirmed the strengthening of joint action to maximise the impact of the efforts and initiatives of the GCC states in the work related to energy transitions and climate change, and to activate cooperation, exchange experiences and develop potentials with the countries of the region under the umbrella of the Green Middle East initiative.

27. The Supreme Council reviewed the reports of the advisory body on the topics it was previously assigned to study (preparing youth for the information revolution and digital technologies, GCC industry options in light of the fourth industrial revolution, the global water crisis and the dangers of its indicators on life), and directed that they be approved and referred to the relevant ministerial committees to benefit from them. The Supreme Council also decided to assign the advisory body to study the following issues: (Strengthening supply chains for food and medicine in the GCC countries, promoting tourism integration between the GCC countries in light of developments in the tourism sector, means to promote and protect GCC values).

28. The Supreme Council directed the speedy completion of the ongoing free trade agreement negotiations, and the start of free trade negotiations in accordance with the priorities of the GCC states, in order to strengthen the economic relations of the Cooperation Council with other countries and international blocs, in order to achieve common trade and investment interests.

29. The Supreme Council approved the decisions of the Joint Defence Council at its 19th session, with regard to military cooperation between the countries of the Cooperation Council, and stressed the importance of strengthening joint military action to achieve collective security for the countries of the Council, and expressed its satisfaction with the steps taken in activating the GCC Academy for Strategic and Security Studies.

30. The Supreme Council praised the success of the drills carried out by the unified military command and its affiliated units and centres during the year 2022, stressing the importance of  joint drills in strengthening military cooperation between the GCC countries and the professional compatibility between the concerned agencies in order to consolidate the foundations of security and peace in the region.

31. The Supreme Council approved the decisions of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Interior in their 39th meeting held on November 9, 2022, stressing the strengthening of joint GCC security action.

32. The Supreme Council praised the success of the tactical drill (Arabian Gulf Security 3), which was hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in January 2022, stressing the importance of the drill in strengthening security cooperation between the GCC countries, and the integration between security services in facing challenges, and deterring anyone who tries to harm the security and stability of the region. The Supreme Council also praised the success of the joint Bahraini-Emirati anti-terror exercise (Jalmud 3), which was concluded on November 10, 2022, as part of the efforts undertaken by the GCC countries in combating terrorism. The Supreme Council blessed the State of Qatar for hosting the upcoming joint tactical drill for the security services (Arabian Gulf Security 4).

33. The Supreme Council expressed its appreciation for the efforts made by the anti-drug agencies in the GCC states, including joint initiatives aimed at monitoring emerging criminal phenomena, and the exploitation of social media and modern technology in narcotics smuggling operations targeting the GCC states.

34. The Supreme Council reiterated the GCC states' keenness to maintain stability and security in the region, support the prosperity of their peoples, and strengthen the Council's relations with brotherly and friendly countries and regional and international organisations, based on the role of the Cooperation Council as a fundamental pillar for maintaining regional and global peace and security, and strengthening the Council's role in achieving peace and sustainable development, and serving the noble aspirations of the Arab and Islamic nations.

35. The Supreme Council affirmed respect for the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, based on international charters, customs and laws, and that the security of the GCC states is an essential tributary of Arab national security, in accordance with the Charter of the League of Arab States. The Supreme Council also affirmed the positions of the Cooperation Council rejecting foreign interference in the Arab countries from any side, and its rejection of any threat to any member state, stressing that the security of the GCC states is indivisible in accordance with the principle of joint defence and the concept of collective security, the basic system of the Cooperation Council and the joint defence agreement.

36. The Supreme Council affirmed its firm stances and decisions towards terrorism and extremism, whatever its source, rejecting all its forms and manifestations, rejecting its motives and justifications, working to dry up its funding sources, supporting international efforts to combat terrorism, and affirming that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values that the societies of the GCC countries were built on. 

37. The Supreme Council condemned all terrorist operations against the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan that target innocent civilians and civilian facilities such as schools, places of worship and hospitals, stressing the solidarity of the Cooperation Council with the Republic of Afghanistan in combating all terrorist organisations and strengthening security and stability in its territories.

38. The Supreme Council condemned the terrorist bombing on November 13, 2022, which targeted the Taksim Square in central Istanbul and led to deaths and injuries, expressing sincere condolences and sympathy to the families and relatives of the victims and to the Turkish government and people, and wishing the speedy recovery to the injured, and affirming its standing with the Republic of Turkey in its war against terrorism.

39. The Supreme Council condemned all terrorist operations against the Federal Republic of Somalia, and affirmed the support of the Cooperation Council with the brotherly Somali people to combat terrorism and violence.

40. The Supreme Council condemned Iran's continued support of terrorist groups and sectarian militias in Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and others, which threaten Arab national security and destabilise the region, and impede the work of the international coalition to combat Daesh.

.

41. The Supreme Council affirmed its firm positions on the centrality of the Palestinian cause, its support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all the Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967. The Supreme Council also underlined its backing for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital and guaranteeing the rights of refugees in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of international legitimacy, stressing the need to activate the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict, in a way that fulfils all the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people according to those foundations.

42. The Supreme Council appreciated the efforts exerted by the Arab countries to achieve national reconciliation to restore Palestinian national unity and reunion as well as achieve the interests of the Palestinian people.

43. The Supreme Council called on the international community to intervene to stop the targeting of the Palestinian presence in the city of Jerusalem, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem, and the attempts to change its legal nature, demographic composition and the arrangements for Islamic holy places and attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over them in clear violation of international law, international resolutions and agreements as well as the relevant existing agreements. The Supreme Council stressed the need to avoid unilateral measures.

44. The Supreme Council expressed its rejection of any tendency to annex settlements in the West Bank to Israel, in clear violation of the United Nations Charter, principles of international law and United Nations resolutions, including Security Council Resolution No. 2334 of 2016, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 2004, and the Geneva Convention Fourth of 1949. The Supreme Council also condemned Israel's continuation in building settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories and called on the international community to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to reverse their settlement decisions that violate international laws and resolutions.

45. The Supreme Council praised the generous assistance provided by the GCC countries to support the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), and called on the international community to continue supporting it to continue its mission until the return of the Palestinian refugees.

46. The Supreme Council underlined its firm positions and previous decisions regarding the condemnation of Iran's continued occupation of the three islands (Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa) which belong to the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming the following:

a. Supporting the right of sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, and over the territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone of the three islands as they represent an integral part of the territory of the United Arab Emirates.

B. Considering that any decisions, practices or actions taken by Iran on the three islands are null and void and do not change anything from the historical and legal facts that are unanimous on the right of the UAE's sovereignty over its three islands.

C. Calling on Iran to respond to the efforts of the United Arab Emirates to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice.

47. The Supreme Council underscored its firm positions and decisions regarding relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing the need for its adherence to the basic foundations and principles based on the Charter of the United Nations and the charters of international law, the principles of good neighbourliness, respect for the sovereignty of states, non-interference in internal affairs, resolving disputes by peaceful means, and not use or threat of force, and reject sectarianism.

48. The Supreme Council stressed the need for the Iranian nuclear file negotiations, and any future negotiations with Iran, to include addressing its destabilising behaviour in the region, its sponsorship of terrorism and sectarian militias, its missile programme, and the safety of international navigation and oil installations. The Council also affirmed the need for the GCC countries to participate in those negotiations and all regional and international discussions and meetings related to this matter.

49. The Supreme Council expressed its complete rejection of the statements of some officials from the Iranian government, which included insults and accusations against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Cooperation Council. The Supreme Council also expressed concern about the escalating steps taken by Iran to destabilise regional security and stability, stressing its rejection of the continued Iranian interference in the internal affairs of the GCC states and the region, fueling sectarian conflicts as well as doctrinal disputes and supporting, financing and arming militias, organisations and groups that trigger these conflicts, and providing them with ballistic missiles and drones.

50. The Supreme Council underlined the readiness of the GCC states to cooperate and deal seriously and effectively with the Iranian nuclear file in a way that contributes to achieving common goals and interests within the framework of respect for sovereignty, good-neighbourly policies, and respect for the United Nation resolutions and international legitimacy to ensure strengthening regional and international security and stability.

51. The Supreme Council expressed its condemnation of Iran's continued failure to fulfil its commitments and transgressions in raising uranium enrichment levels beyond the need for peaceful uses, and called on Iran to reverse this step and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

52. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of preserving maritime security and waterways in the region, and confronting activities that threaten the security and stability of the region and the world, including threats to maritime shipping lines, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states.

53. The Supreme Council praised the outcomes of the comprehensive Yemeni-Yemeni consultations, which were held under the patronage of the GCC between March 29 and April 7, 2022, which concluded with securing an agreement between the participants, including the establishment of a roadmap and effective mechanisms to strengthen unity, restore security and stability in Yemen, and alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people.

54. The Supreme Council affirmed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council chaired by His Excellency Dr. Rashad Al Alimi, and the entities backing the Council to enable it to carry out its tasks in achieving security and stability in Yemen, and called on the Houthis to respond to the invitation made by the Presidential Leadership Council to start negotiating under the supervision of the United Nations to reach a political solution, in accordance with the terms of the references of the GCC initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of the comprehensive national dialogue conference, and Security Council Resolution No. 2216, in a way that preserves brotherly Yemen's unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

55. The Supreme Council renewed its support for the efforts of the United Nations led by its Special Envoy to Yemen Mr. Hans Grundberg, and the efforts of the US Special Envoy to Yemen, Mr. Tim Linder King, to reach a political solution in accordance with the three references, and praised the Yemeni government's adherence to the humanitarian truce declared by the United Nations, calling for exerting international pressure on the Houthis to renew the humanitarian truce, lift the siege on the city of Taiz, and open the humanitarian crossings in it, as stipulated in the truce. The Supreme Council expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Special Envoy of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Yemen to renew the truce, in line with the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which was announced in March 2021 in an effort to end the crisis in Yemen and reaching a comprehensive political solution.

56. The Supreme Council called on the two parties of the Riyadh Agreement to complete the implementation of the remaining provisions of the agreement, to provide support to the Yemeni government to carry out its activities, and to kick off development efforts in the liberated areas.

57. The Supreme Council praised the announcement made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of a package of vital development projects to support the Republic of Yemen, all of which will be carried out by the Saudi Programme for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen. The $400 million worth package includes (17) development projects, covering various sectors, including energy, transportation, education, water, health, and building state institutions, in addition to $200 million to provide oil derivatives to operate power stations in order to meet the basic needs of the brotherly Yemeni people and alleviate their suffering.

58. The Supreme Council reaffirmed the importance of brotherly and friendly countries participating in providing economic, humanitarian and development support to the Republic of Yemen, in order to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people.

59. The Supreme Council praised the achievements of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, highlighting the importance of the development projects implemented by the Saudi Programme for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, the humanitarian support provided by the GCC Office for the Coordination of Relief and Humanitarian Aid to the Republic of Yemen, and the humanitarian and development assistance provided by all GCC countries to Yemen. The Supreme Council also hailed the efforts of the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (MASAM ) in Yemen as they resulted in removing more than (371,952) mines, unexploded ordnance and explosive devices, and clearing (39,959,663) square meters of land in Yemen, which was contaminated with mines and unexploded ordnance that were indiscriminately planted by the terrorist Houthi militia and killed innocent victims, including children, women and elderly.

60. The Supreme Council condemned the two terrorist attacks carried out by the terrorist Houthi militia with drones, targeting the Al Dhaba oil port in Hadhramaut on October 21, 2022, while a ship was loading crude oil at the port, and the Qena commercial port in Shabwa on November 9, 2022, while an oil tanker was unloading its cargo of diesel, in clear violation of Security Council Resolution No. 2216, and international laws and norms, which confirms the continuation of the terrorist Houthi militia and those supporting it in targeting civilian and economic facilities, global energy supplies and corridors, and threatening the marine environment with pollution. The Supreme Council affirmed that these attacks are an escalation by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia after the end of the UN truce in Yemen, which the militia refused to extend despite all the efforts made, and the keenness of the Yemeni legitimate government to provide all facilities for its renewal based on its responsibilities towards the Yemeni people. 

61. The Supreme Council condemned Iran's continued interference in the internal affairs of the Republic of Yemen, and the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthi militia, in clear violation of Security Council Resolutions No. 2216, 2231, and 2624, noting the British government's announcement on July 7, 2022, that it confiscated shipments of advanced Iranian-made weapons and missiles in international waters south of Iran, on January 28 and February 25, 2022, which included (358) surface-to-air missiles and (351) engines for cruise missiles with a range of 1,000 kilometres, which were on their way for the Houthis. The Supreme Council also noted the US. Fifth Fleet’s announcement that it had intercepted an Iranian ship on November 8, 2022, carrying (70) tons of ammonium chlorate used in the manufacture of missile fuel, and (100) tons of explosive urea fertiliser which were on their way from Iran to the terrorist Houthi militia. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of preventing the smuggling of weapons to the Houthi militia as they threaten the freedom of maritime navigation and international trade in the Bab Al Mandab Strait and the Red Sea.

62. The Supreme Council emphasised the importance of the special strategic partnership between the Cooperation Council and the Kingdom of Morocco, the implementation of the joint action plan, its firm positions and decisions in support of the Moroccanness of the Sahara, and the preservation of the security, stability and territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco. The Supreme Council praised Security Council Resolution No. 2654 of October 27, 2022, regarding the Moroccan desert.

63. The Supreme Council affirmed its firm positions and decisions towards brotherly Iraq, and its support for the existing efforts to combat terrorism and achieve security and stability in the country, stressing the importance of maintaining the territorial integrity of Iraq, its full sovereignty, its Arab-Islamic identity, its social fabric and national unity. The Supreme Council also reiterated its support for Iraq to confront terrorist groups and armed militias to establish state sovereignty and law enforcement.

64. The Supreme Council congratulated His Excellency President Abdul Latif Rashid on his election as President of the Republic of Iraq, and His Excellency Mohammed Shia Al Sudani on his selection as Prime Minister, expressing best wishes to Iraq and its brotherly people for more stability and growth.

65. The Supreme Council condemned the bombing that targeted the Kurdistan region in the Republic of Iraq, endorsing what came in the statement of the Iraqi government on November 14, 2022, which condemned what the Iranian side did in terms of artillery and drone strikes on a number of regions of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, causing many casualties, considering this a blatant violation of Iraq's sovereignty and security.

66. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of Iraq's commitment to the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and non-violation of international resolutions and agreements, in particular, Security Council Resolution No. 833 regarding the demarcation of the borders between the two countries and the agreement signed between them and handed to the United Nations, which regulates maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah. The Supreme Council called on the Republic of Iraq to complete the demarcation of the maritime borders with the State of Kuwait beyond Mark 162, expressing its categorical rejection of any violation affecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and preserving its right to respond in accordance with legal channels.

67. The Supreme Council renewed its support for Security Council Resolution No. 2107 (2013), regarding the transfer of the file of prisoners and missing persons, Kuwaiti property and the national archive to the United Nations Mission (UNAMI). The Supreme Council stated that it is looking forward to seeing Iraq continue cooperation to ensure progress in all files, and calling on Iraq and the United Nations to make maximum efforts in order to reach a solution towards these matters.

68. The Supreme Council underscored its firm positions towards preserving the territorial integrity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, respecting its independence and sovereignty over its lands, and rejecting regional interference in its internal affairs. The Supreme Council also underlined its previous decisions regarding the Syrian crisis and the political solution based on the principles of (Geneva 1), Security Council Resolution No. 2254, and support for the efforts of its special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen. The Supreme Council pointed out that it's looking forward to seeing that the meetings of the Constitutional Committee in Syria would result in a consensus that would boost the efforts made to reach a political solution to the crisis. The Supreme Council also expressed support for the efforts of the United Nations towards extending care for Syrian refugees and displaced people. The Supreme Council also voiced its support for the United Nations' endeavours to ensure the safe return of the Syrian Refugees and displaced people to their cities and villages, and reject any attempts to cause demographic changes in Syria.

69. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of continuing all efforts to alleviate the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people, welcoming Security Council Resolution No. 2642 of July 12, 2022, regarding extending the mandate of the mechanism for the delivery of UN humanitarian aid across the border from Turkey to Syria for a period of six months to January 2023.

70. The Supreme Council affirmed the GCC's firm positions with the brotherly Lebanese people and its continued support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security and stability, and for the Lebanese Armed Forces that protect its borders and resist the threats of extremist and terrorist groups. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms to ensure that Lebanon overcomes its political and economic crisis, and doesn’t convert into a springboard for terrorists, drug smuggling or other criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of the region. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of extending the Lebanese government’s control over all Lebanese territories and implementing the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Taef Agreement, in order for it to exercise its full sovereignty, so there will be no weapons except with the approval of the Lebanese government, and there will be no authority other than its authority.

71. The Supreme Council called on all Lebanese parties to respect the constitution and constitutional deadlines and to work on everything that would achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Lebanese people for stability, progress and prosperity, praising the efforts of Lebanon's friends and partners in restoring and strengthening trust and cooperation between Lebanon and the GCC countries, and their support for the role of the Lebanese army and the interior security forces in maintaining the security of Lebanon.

72. The Supreme Council expressed concern about the repeated outbreak of armed clashes in the Libyan territories, which threaten the security and safety of the Libyan people and undermine the stability of the country, affirming the supporting position of the GCC member states towards the State of Libya and the political track and relevant Security Council resolutions in order to preserve its security, stability and sovereignty. The Supreme Council called on all the Libyan parties to stop the clashes in order to guarantee the cessation of escalation and stop the bloodshed, to give priority to wisdom and reason, and to adopt political dialogue to resolve differences in a way that preserves the State of Libya's supreme interests and achieves its people's aspirations for development and prosperity.

73. The Supreme Council reiterated its firm positions and decisions regarding the Libyan crisis, underlining its keenness to preserve the interests of the brotherly Libyan people to achieve security, stability and development in Libya, to guarantee its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, to stop interference in its internal affairs, and for the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territory, support the efforts of the United Nations to reach a political solution, hold elections and unify state institutions in order to meet the aspirations of the Libyan people and to lay the foundations for security and stability.

74. The Supreme Council welcomed the appointment of Mr. Abdullah Bathili as Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations to Libya, wishing him success in finding a political solution agreed upon by the Libyan parties.

75. The Supreme Council welcomed the joint declaration on December 5, 2022 regarding the establishment of an agreement on a principled political framework and constitutional arrangements that will lead Sudan during the transitional period. The Supreme Council affirmed the consistent stand and decisions of the GCC regarding the importance of maintaining Sudan’s security, territorial integrity and stability, achieving the aspirations of its brotherly people, supporting dialogue between the political parties, reviving the political process, encouraging consensus among Sudanese parties, preserving the cohesion of the state and its institutions, and supporting Sudan in facing economic challenges.

76. The Supreme Council underscored that the water security of the Republic of Sudan and the Arab Republic of Egypt is an integral part of Arab national security, rejecting any action or measure that would prejudice their rights in the Nile waters. The Supreme Council also affirmed the support of the GCC countries for all endeavours that would contribute to resolving Al Nahda Dam issue in a manner that takes into account the interests of all parties, stressing the need to reach an agreement in this regard in accordance with the principles of international law and what was stipulated in the presidential statement of the Security Council issued on September 15, 2021.

77. The Supreme Council affirmed the support of the Federal Republic of Somalia in order to consolidate the pillars of security and stability, strengthen the Somali national capabilities in the field of combating terrorism, and respond to the challenges it faces at the current stage, especially as a result of the drought crisis affecting Somalia, and to avoid its dangerous repercussions on food security in Somalia.

Afghanistan:

78. The Supreme Council emphasised the importance of restoring security and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and reaching a consensual political solution that takes into account the interests of all components of the Afghan people, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the brotherly Afghan people, and benefits regional and international peace and security, and calls on the de-facto authority to implement its obligations to ensure women's right to education and work, to protect minorities, and to ensure that Afghan lands are not used by any terrorist groups, or Afghan lands are exploited for the export of narcotics.

79. The Supreme Council affirmed that the position of the Cooperation Council on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is based on the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, the preservation of the international system based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and non-use or threat of force.

80. The Supreme Council affirmed its support for mediation efforts to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, a cease-fire, a political solution to the crisis, giving priority to dialogue, and settling the conflict through negotiations.

81. The Supreme Council praised the success of Saudi Arabia's mediation in releasing a group of prisoners and detainees from both sides.

82. The Supreme Council commended the humanitarian and relief assistance provided by the GCC countries to Ukraine.

83. The Supreme Council stressed the importance of continuing the grain export agreement from Russia and Ukraine across the Black Sea, and expressing support for all efforts to facilitate the export of grain and all foodstuffs and humanitarian supplies to contribute to providing food security for the affected countries.

84. The Supreme Council approved the desire of the State of Kuwait to retain the position of Secretary General of the Gulf  Cooperation Council for a second period, starting from the end of the current term of His Excellency the Secretary General Dr Nayef Falah M. Al Hajraf on January 31, 2023, provided that the Ministerial Council follows up on the nomination of the State of Kuwait for its new candidate to occupy the position as of February 1, 2023, and complete the necessary procedures for that. The Supreme Council expressing its deep appreciation for the great, sincere and distinguished efforts made by His Excellency Dr Nayef Falah M. Al Hajraf, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council, whose term of office will end at the end of January 2023, and his effective contributions to the course of the joint work, during his tenure.

44th Session of the Cooperation Council Chairmanship:

85. The Supreme Council welcomed the chairmanship of the State of Qatar of its 44th session.