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His Excellency Mr Ahmed bin Ali Al Sayegh,

Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates

 

His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain

 

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 

His Excellency Mr Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi,

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar

 

His Excellency Shaikh Salem Abdullah Al Jaber Al Sabah,

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait

 

His Excellency Mr Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi,

Secretary General of the GCC

The meeting issued the following statement:

The Ministerial Council congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the success of the Hajj season for the year 1444H, and expressed its appreciation for the efforts and facilitation provided by the Government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, in order to care for the pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors, and the distinguished organization of the rituals and service of the Two Holy Mosque.

The Ministerial Council praised the results of the 18th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC countries, which was held in the city of Jeddah on July 19, 2023, and the ministers followed up on the work progress in implementing the royal directives issued in the meeting.

The Council also praised the results of the first summit between the GCC and the countries of Central Asia, hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on July 19, 2023, which stressed the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two sides and cooperation in all fields.

The Ministerial Council reviewed the latest progress in joint Gulf action and developments in political issues regionally and internationally, as follows:

Strengthening Joint Gulf Action:

1. The Ministerial Council was briefed on the efforts exerted by the committees working within the framework of the Cooperation Council to implement the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with respect to the promotion of joint Gulf action, which was adopted by the Supreme Council at its 36th session in December 2015, and directed the prompt completion of its implementation.

2. The Council reviewed the process of integration among the GCC countries, and stressed the continuity of achieving more coordination, integration and interdependence in all fields, in order to achieve the aspirations of the GCC citizens, the completion of the requirements for finalising the Customs Union, and the application of full equality in treatment between the citizens of the GCC countries in the fields of the GCC Common Market.

3. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of working together to confront global challenges related to climate change, supporting sustainable development, committing to making all efforts to address this urgent issue, and committing to increasing the level of climate ambitions by setting and accomplishing goals that achieve the highest ambitions to reduce emissions, and adopting renewable energy production, as well as finding innovative solutions and technologies that will accelerate the transition to low-carbon economies. It was also agreed to continue exploring sustainable and innovative solutions to implement the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Council called on countries to activate their participation and contributions to the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28), which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates in November 2023.

4. The Ministerial Council welcomed the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of a global water organisation based in Riyadh, which aims to develop and integrate the efforts of countries and organisations to address water challenges in a comprehensive manner, through exchanging and strengthening technical experiences, innovation, research and development, and enabling the establishment of priority prominent projects and facilitating their financing, in an effort to ensure the sustainability of water resources and enhancing access to it for all.

5. The Ministerial Council commended the progress made by the United Arab Emirates in the field of space, following the success of the Emirates Mars Mission and the Emirates Lunar Mission, which enabled the United Arab Emirates to attain another achievement with the success of the first long-term mission for Arab astronauts, with the return of Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi to Earth at the beginning of September 2023, which is considered a historic achievement for the UAE, after the completion of the “Zayed Ambition 2” mission, which extended for six months, on board the International Space Station. This mission achieved many scientific achievements, most notably Al Neyadi’s success in undertaking the first mission to mission outside the International Space Station in the history of Arabs.

Combating terrorism and extremism:

6. The Council affirmed its firm positions and decisions towards terrorism, whatever its source, and its rejection of all its forms, motives and justifications, and to work to dry up its sources of financing. The Ministerial Council condemned all terrorist acts, stressing the sanctity of harming civilians and civilian facilities such as schools, places of worship and hospitals, and affirming the importance of international and regional coordination to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and stability.

7. The Ministerial Council praised the outcomes of the international conference hosted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on August 13, 2023 under the title “Communication with the Departments of Religious Affairs, Ifta, and Sheikhdoms in the World, aimed at consolidating solidarity and cooperation among Islamic countries to combat extremist ideas and promote the values of tolerance and coexistence among peoples, and to emphasise the noble mission it undertakes to spread the principles of moderation and centrism.

8. The Council welcomed the adoption of Security Council Resolution No. 2686 dated June 14, 2023, which affirmed that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to the outbreak of conflicts, and urged Member States to condemn violence, hate speech, incitement and extremism.

9. The Council praised the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution dated July 12, 2023, which condemned all manifestations of religious hatred, including the incidents of burning and desecration of the Holy Qur’an, and urged countries to hold those responsible accountable.

10. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the Extraordinary Meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, held on July 31, 2023, which was called for by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Chairman of the current summit, and the Republic of Iraq, to discuss the repeated assaults on copies of the Holy Qur’an in Sweden and Denmark. The Council stressed the importance of consolidating the values of dialogue and respect between peoples and cultures, rejected everything that would spread hatred and extremism, and called for concerted international efforts to promote these principles in all societies.

Iranian Occupation of the Three Islands of the United Arab Emirates:

11. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC’s firm positions and decisions rejecting Iran’s continued occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates; the Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, stressing support for the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands, territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and economic zone, as an indivisible part from the territory of the United Arab Emirates, and considering that any practices or actions carried out by Iran on the three islands are null, void and have no effect on the right of the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over its three islands. The Ministerial Council called 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.

Al Durra Field:

12. The Ministerial Council affirmed that the ownership of the natural resources in the submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided zone, including the entire Al Durra field, is joint ownership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait only, and they alone have full rights to exploit the wealth in that area, and affirmed the categorical rejection of any claims that any other party has rights in this field or the submerged area adjacent to the area divided by its designated borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.

The Palestinian Cause:

13. The Ministerial Council affirmed its firm positions on the centrality of the Palestinian Cause, its support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Al Quds as its capital, and the guarantee of refugee rights, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions, stressing the need to double the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict, in a way that fulfils all the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.

14. The Ministerial Council commended the decision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to appoint a Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Non-Resident Ambassador to the State of Palestine and Consul General in Al Quds, as a continuation of the stance of GCC states in protecting Islamic sanctities and supporting the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian presence in Al Quds.

15. The Council welcomed the Australian Foreign Minister's announcement of the Australian government's intention to use the term "occupied Palestinian territories" and described the settlements established by the Israeli occupation as illegal in accordance with international law.

16. The Council welcomed the final statement of the Egyptian-Jordanian-Palestinian tripartite summit, which was held in the city of El Alamein in the Arab Republic of Egypt on August 14, 2023, and its discussion of the Palestinian cause in light of the current developments in the territories of the occupied State of Palestine, and the related regional and international conditions.

17. The Council condemned the repeated incursions by Israeli officials and settlers into the courtyards of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque, in a serious violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo in Al Quds and its sanctities, a violation of the sanctity of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque and a provocation of the feelings of Muslims.

18. The Ministerial Council called on the international community to intervene to stop the targeting of the Palestinian presence in the city of Al Quds, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in East Al Quds, attempts to change its legal character, demographic composition, and arrangements for Islamic holy places, and the attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over them in clear violation of the international law, international resolutions, and the existing concluded agreements. The Council stressed the need to stop unilateral measures on the part of Israel.

19. The Council condemned Israel's continued construction of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories, and rejected any tendency to annex settlements to Israel or impose Israeli sovereignty over them, in clear violation of international legitimacy resolutions, including UN Security Council Resolution No. 2334, calling on the international community to put pressure on the Israeli authorities to reverse its settlement decisions.

20. The Ministerial 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.

Iran:

21. The Ministerial Council reiterated the decisions of the Respected Supreme Council during its 43rd session in December 2022, with respect to relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the basic foundations for strengthening relations with it, through full commitment to the principles of good neighbourliness, mutual respect, international norms, laws and covenants, and not Interfering in internal affairs, resolving disputes by peaceful means and direct dialogue, and not using or threatening to the use of force, and everything that guarantees the preservation of the foundations of security, stability and peace in the region.

22. The Ministerial Council welcomed the steps taken towards implementing the agreement to resume diplomatic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the ambassadors of the two countries assuming their duties, looking forward to the start of a new phase of relations based on common interests and mutual respect.

23. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of Iran's commitment not to exceed the rate of uranium enrichment required for peaceful uses, and the need to fulfil its obligations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Council also affirmed the GCC countries’ readiness to cooperate and deal effectively with this file, and stressed the need for their participation in all regional and international negotiations, discussions and meetings in this regard, and that the negotiations include, in addition to the Iranian nuclear programme,  all security issues and concerns of the GCC states, in a way that contributes to achieving common goals and interests in A framework of respect for sovereignty, good neighbourliness policies, and adherence to United Nations resolutions and international legitimacy to ensure strengthening regional and international security and stability.

24. The Council stressed the importance of preserving maritime security and waterways in the region, and addressing everything that might threaten the shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states.

25. Based on the principles of the United Nations Charter, which call for good neighbourliness and non-interference in the internal affairs of states, the Ministerial Council condemned the statements made by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson regarding the conditions of prisoners in the Kingdom of Bahrain, calling on officials in Iran to investigate accuracy and not rely on incorrect information.

Yemen:

26. The Ministerial Council affirmed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr Rashad Al Alimi, in achieving security and stability in Yemen, and its efforts to reach a political solution, in accordance with the GCC initiative and its Executive Mechanism, the outcomes of the Yemeni National Dialogue Conference (NDC) and the Security Council Resolution 2216, in a way that preserves brotherly Yemen's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and independence.

27. The Ministerial Council welcomed the continued efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman and the existing communications with all Yemeni parties to revive the political process. The Council reiterated its support for the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg and the efforts of the US Envoy Tim Lenderking to reach a political solution in Yemen in accordance with the three terms of reference, appreciating the efforts of the United Nations to renew the truce in line with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's initiative announced in March 2021, to cease fire and reach an end for the crisis, in addition to working towards a comprehensive political solution. The Council praised the Yemeni government's adherence to the continuation of the humanitarian truce and called on the United Nations to take a firm stance towards the Houthi practices that contradict these efforts, and mount pressure on the Houthis to abide by the truce, lift the siege on the city of Taiz, and open the humanitarian corridors there.

28. The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of unity in the brotherly Yemen and the completion of the implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. It expressed support for the Yemeni government and the Presidential Council in carrying out their duties and providing essential services to the citizens.

29. The Ministerial Council condemned the continued foreign interventions in the internal affairs of Yemen, as well as the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthi militias, which is a clear violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 2216, 2231, and 2624.

30. The Ministerial Council welcomed the announcement made by the United Nations on August 11, 2023, regarding the completion of the crude oil withdrawal from the "Safer" floating storage and offloading (FSO) vessel. It commended the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General, António Guterres, and the UN team, expressing appreciation for the generous support provided by donor countries to fund this operation, including contributions from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with $18 million, the State of Qatar with $3 million, and the State of Kuwait with $2 million.

31. The Ministerial Council commended the announcement made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on August 1, 2023, regarding the provision of new economic support to the Republic of Yemen with a value of $1.2 billion. This support was in response to the government's request for assistance in addressing the current budget deficit, supporting salaries, wages, and operational expenses, as well as enhancing food security in Yemen. The Council also acknowledged the previous economic and developmental support provided by the Kingdom to the brotherly Yemen country. 

32. The Ministerial Council praised the achievements of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), the development projects implemented by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen, the humanitarian support provided by the Office for the Coordination of Relief and Humanitarian Aid provided by the Cooperation Council to the Republic of Yemen, and the humanitarian and development assistance provided by all the GCC member states to Yemen. Moreover, the Ministerial Council valued the efforts of the Saudi Project for Landmine Clearance (MASAM) to clear Yemeni lands of mines, which, since its launch, was able to remove around 410,701 mines, ammunition and explosive devices that were randomly planted by the Houthi militia.

Iraq:

33. The Ministerial 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 protecting the safety and territorial integrity of Iraq, its full sovereignty,  Arab-Islamic identity, social fabric and national unity. The Ministerial Council also stressed its support to confront terrorist groups and armed militias in order to ensure state sovereignty and law enforcement.

34. The Ministerial Council emphasised the urgency of completing the implementation of the electricity interconnection project to link Iraq with the power grid of the GCC countries. This will achieve a higher level of integration and connectivity between Iraq and the GCC countries, serving their common interests and paving the way for further cooperation in the future. The Council also commended the positive and growing partnership between the GCC and Iraq.

 

35. The Ministerial Council condemned all terrorist operations against the Republic of Iraq that target civilians and the Iraqi security forces, stressing that the Cooperation Council stands with Iraq in combating terrorism and extremism.

 36. The Ministerial Council underscored 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 regulating maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah, concluded between the two countries and deposited with the United Nations, and the Council called on the Republic of Iraq to complete Demarcation of the maritime borders with the State of Kuwait beyond the mark 162, expressing his categorical rejection of any violation affecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and preserving its right to respond in accordance with legal channels.

37. The Ministerial Council reiterated 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), expressing its aspiration that Iraq will continue cooperation to ensure progress in all files, and calling on Iraq and the United Nations to produce maximum efforts in order to reach a solution towards these files.

Syria:

38. The Ministerial Council affirmed its firm positions towards preserving the territorial integrity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, respecting its independence and sovereignty over its lands, rejecting regional interference in its internal affairs, and supporting a political solution to the Syrian crisis in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions. The Council expressed its support for the efforts of the Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen in this regard, and backing for the endeavours exerted to provide care for Syrian refugees and displaced persons and work to ensure their safe return to their cities and villages, in accordance with international standards.

39. The Ministerial Council welcomed the statement issued by the Arab Ministerial Communication Committee on the Syrian crisis, which was held in the Arab Republic of Egypt on August 15, 2023. The statement emphasised the importance of resolving the Syrian crisis and addressing its political, security, and humanitarian repercussions in light of the commitments outlined in the Amman Statement issued on May 1, 2023. The Amman Statement highlighted the significance of resuming work on the Syrian constitutional track and convening a meeting of the Constitutional Committee before the end of the year.

40. The Ministerial Council welcomed the announcement by the United Nations and the Syrian government on August 7, 2023, regarding the agreement reached to deliver humanitarian aid through the Bab Al Hawa Border Crossing for a period of six months. The Ministerial Council also welcomed the decision of the Syrian government to extend the opening of the Bab Al Salama and Al Rai crossings to allow the entry of humanitarian aid until November 13, 2023. It emphasised the importance of continuing the delivery of humanitarian aid and alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Syrian people.

Lebanon:

41. The Ministerial Council stressed the GCC's firm commitment to stand 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 Ministerial Council highlighted the importance of implementing comprehensive structural reforms that ensure that Lebanon overcomes its political and economic crisis and that it does not become a launching pad for terrorism, drug smuggling, or other criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of the region, stressing the importance of extending the Lebanese government’s control over all Lebanese territories, including the implementation of the provisions of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement.

42. The Ministerial Council welcomed the joint statement issued by the second meeting of the Group of Five on Lebanon, which was held in the State of Qatar on July 17, 2023, in which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the United States of America, and the French Republic participated. The statement emphasised the importance of expediting the presidential elections and implementing the necessary economic reforms to enable the Lebanese government to fulfil its responsibilities towards its citizens.

43. The Ministerial Council valued the initiative of the State of Qatar to provide the Lebanese army with fuel for a period of six months, amounting to $30 million. This initiative reflects Qatar's commitment to supporting the institutions of the Lebanese Republic and standing by the brotherly Lebanese people.

Sudan:

44. The Ministerial Council affirmed the positions and decisions of the Cooperation Council regarding safeguarding the security, safety and stability of Sudan, protecting the cohesion of the state and its institutions and preventing its collapse, supporting Sudan in confronting the developments and repercussions of the current crisis, stressing the need for calm, prioritising the language of dialogue and uniting ranks, alleviating the suffering of the Sudanese people, and preventing any external interference in its affairs that fuels the conflict and threatens regional peace and security.

45. The Ministerial Council praised the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States of America towards promoting peace and dialogue, and bridging the gap between Sudanese parties, in a way that contributes to enhancing the security and stability of Sudan.

46. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the Summit of Sudan's neighbouring countries hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt on July 13, 2023. The Council affirmed its support for all efforts aimed at restoring the security, safety, and stability of Sudan, as well as preserving the unity of the state and its institutions.

Libya:

47. The Ministerial 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.

48. The Ministerial Council expressed its concern about the armed clashes in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, and called on the Libyan parties to exercise restraint, prioritise national interests, and work towards de-escalation. It emphasised the importance of maintaining the ceasefire agreement and preventing the outbreak of a new wave of violence.

 49. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its support for the efforts of the United Nations Special Envoy Abdoulaye Bathily in reaching a political solution, conducting elections, and unifying state institutions to achieve the aspirations of the Libyan people. It stressed the importance of establishing the foundations of security and stability. In this context, the Council welcomed the announcement issued on August 20, 2023, regarding the reunification of the Central Bank of Libya.

Afghanistan:

50. The Ministerial 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.

51. The Ministerial Council lauded the continued humanitarian assistance provided by the GCC countries to Afghanistan and called on the international community to continue extending assistance to the Afghan people.

The Crisis Between Russia and Ukraine:

52. The Ministerial Council lauded the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for hosting the meeting of National Security Advisors on August 5, 2023, regarding the Ukrainian crisis, adding that this reflects the Kingdom's ongoing initiatives and commendable efforts to contribute towards achieving a political solution to the crisis and mitigating its humanitarian impact and consequences.

53. The Ministerial Council affirmed the position of the GCC on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, which stemmed from the principles of international law and the charter of the United Nations, and 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.

54. The Ministerial Council underscored its support for mediation efforts to resolve the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, a cease-fire, a political solution to the crisis,  and settling the conflict through negotiations.

55. The Ministerial Council commended the humanitarian assistance provided by the GCC countries to Ukraine.

56. The Ministerial Council highlighted the importance of supporting all efforts to facilitate the export of grains, as well as all food and humanitarian supplies, to contribute to achieving food security in affected countries.

Developments in Niger and Gabon:

57. The Ministerial Council expressed deep concern about the ongoing events in the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Gabon and their implications for the security of the African continent and global peace. It called on all parties to prioritise rationality, wisdom, and national interests, and to uphold constitutional institutions and the rule of law in order to achieve security and stability in these two countries.

Strategic Partnerships and Negotiations:

58. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the joint ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue between the GCC and Japan, which took place on September 7, 2023, at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, with His Excellency Yoshihisa Hayashi, the Foreign Minister of Japan. The Ministerial Council acknowledged the importance of enhancing the strategic dialogue with Japan through the Memorandum of Understanding signed in January 2012 and extending the joint action plan for the period of 2024-2028.

59. The Ministerial Council was briefed on the progress of negotiations regarding existing free trade agreements between the GCC countries, and international economic groups.

Issued at the General Secretariat of the GCC on Thursday, 22 Safar 1445 AH, corresponding to September 7, 2023.