Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, held the 45th summit today, December 1, 2024, in Kuwait, under the chairmanship of His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait and current president of the Supreme Council. The summit also witnessed the participation of His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
During the summit, His Excellency the Secretary General delivered a speech in which he extended his heartfelt congratulations and warmest greetings on the occasion of the 45th session of the esteemed Supreme Council.
He expressed his highest appreciation and deepest gratitude to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah for graciously hosting this blessed session in the flourishing State of Kuwait, under the wise leadership that reinforces cooperation and nurtures its roots.
He also expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, for the wise and insightful leadership during the 44th session of the Supreme Council, which significantly contributed to elevating the journey of joint Gulf action.
Moreover, His Excellency conveyed profound appreciation and deep gratitude for the diligent efforts and blessed endeavors exerted by Their Majesties and Highnesses the GCC leaders, adding that such efforts stand as a testament to their constant commitment to strengthening the foundations of joint Gulf action.
"These endeavours enhance bonds of unity and solidarity among the member states and deepen the ties of brotherhood and love among their peoples," he stated. He prayed for their continued health and success in advancing the Gulf developmental journey, which shines brightly in the beloved Kuwait, a testament to great leadership and wise governance.
Furthermore, His Excellency the Secretary General noted that this important session comes amid sensitive regional conditions and accelerating events that call for enhancing solidarity and strengthening the bonds between the GCC countries. He emphasised the need for continuous and serious efforts to establish the principles on which the Cooperation Council is built—principles that have made the GCC a model of unity and integration.
"We cannot overlook the horrific crisis facing the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank due to the ongoing war waged by Israeli occupation forces, which has also affected Lebanon, leading to dangerous military escalations and heightened tensions in the region," His Excellency pointed out.
In light of these serious challenges, he reiterated the call for the international community to take decisive actions, uphold its humanitarian and legal responsibilities, and work towards an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians.
His Excellency highlighted that in confronting these challenges, it is essential to commend the steadfast stances of the GCC countries in supporting the Palestinian cause, reflecting the authenticity of our Arab and Islamic identity and reaffirming our moral commitment to aiding this brotherly nation.
He expressed deep appreciation for the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in hosting the extraordinary Arab and Islamic summits, where Arab and Muslim leaders united in emphasising the importance of implementing the two-state solution and establishing an independent Palestinian state. He praised the launch of the “Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution”, aimed at achieving just and lasting peace in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002.
His Excellency also emphasised the importance of the initiative from the Kingdom of Bahrain, which was endorsed during the 33rd ordinary Arab summit in Manama, calling for convening an international peace conference to support the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and to establish their independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He commended the political and humanitarian efforts made by the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman and the State of Kuwait to support the Palestinian people at all political and humanitarian levels.
During the speech, HE the Secretary General recounted the notable achievements and successes realised in joint Gulf cooperation across various political, economic, developmental, security and military fields, including the free trade agreements signed with several countries and the strategic summits held between GCC states and others, along with the signing of numerous joint memoranda of understanding.
He concluded his remarks by renewing his commitment to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, expressing gratitude for this noble responsibility and pledging to carry the honour of this great trust, committed to fulfilling its duties with diligence and sincerity, guided by the wise directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, while striving to continue the tireless efforts to achieve these noble objectives.
