His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the convening of the 162nd session of the Ministerial Council in preparation for the 45th session of the esteemed Supreme Council serves as a confirmation of the commitment to implementing the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states to support the progress of joint Gulf action and to continue efforts to enhance coordination, integration, and connectivity.
This statement was made during the 162nd session of the Ministerial Council held today, Thursday, November 28, 2024, in the State of Kuwait, chaired by His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait – current president of the Ministerial Council – and attended by Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs from the GCC states.
In his opening remarks, His Excellency the Secretary General extended his heartfelt congratulations to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, on his presidency of the current session of the esteemed Supreme Council.
He expressed optimism and confidence, with Allah the Almighty's help, that this Summit would be a significant milestone in the journey of joint Gulf action, given His Highness' profound wisdom, insightful vision, and sincere intentions to achieve the noble goals sought by Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Council, through strengthening the bonds of cooperation and integration, fulfilling the aspirations of the peoples of the Council for a bright future rich in development and prosperity.
He also offered his sincere congratulations to His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, on his presidency of the Ministerial Council, wishing him success in his current term and hoping it will be filled with achievements that cement the unity of the GCC and meet the aspirations of the member states' peoples. He assured that the General Secretariat of the GCC would be a supportive partner during his presidency, thanking him for the generous hospitality and warm reception.
Moreover, His Excellency expressed his deep gratitude to His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, for his wise leadership during the previous session of the Ministerial Council, which was marked by tangible achievements in supporting the progress of joint Gulf action and bolstering cooperation among the member states.
He praised the dedicated efforts and fruitful accomplishments that contributed to achieving our common goals, acknowledging the appreciated efforts of His Excellency Mr Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, and his significant role in enhancing cooperation and mutual understanding among the member states, as well as his persistent and valued endeavours that have strengthened the position of the GCC at both regional and international levels.
During his speech, His Excellency stressed the GCC's commitment to enhancing strategic partnerships with brotherly and friendly countries to confront current and future challenges, ensuring that the GCC remains a cohesive and united entity that reflects the depth of fraternal relations, strong bonds, and common interests as well as a bastion for preserving security and stability and an oasis for growth and prosperity in this vital region of the world.
He concluded his remarks by expressing thanks and deep appreciation to His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, and all members of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their significant efforts in preparing for this meeting, as well as for their facilitation, assistance, and support in ensuring the success of this gathering.
During the preparatory meeting, topics and decisions related to joint Gulf action were discussed and reviewed, in preparation for presenting them to the 45th session of the esteemed Supreme Council of the GCC for consideration by Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC.