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- His Excellency Mr Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar,  

Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 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 Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi,  

  Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.  

- His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani,  

  Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar.  

The meeting was also attended by His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Abdullah Albudaiwi,  

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council.  

The following statement was issued from the meeting:  

The Ministerial Council commended the outcomes of the extraordinary Arab summit, “The Palestine Summit”, held on March 4, 2025, in Cairo, Egypt, to discuss the grave developments concerning the Palestinian cause in recent times, reaffirming its support for the statement issued by the summit.  

The Ministerial Council congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Saudi people on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup.  

The Ministerial Council extended its congratulations to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, on the successful hosting of the 26th Arabian Gulf Football Cup, congratulating the Kingdom of Bahrain on winning it, and expressed its sincere wishes for further progress and success for the people of Kuwait.  

The Ministerial Council praised the United Arab Emirates for its successful organisation of the latest editions of the IDEX and NAVDEX exhibitions, held from 17 to 21 February 2025, which provided an exceptional platform to showcase the latest innovative solutions across 17 main sectors, including land vehicles and systems, aviation and air systems, unmanned systems, reflecting advancements in smart mobility and autonomous operations, while highlighting innovations and new technologies in defence and security, including land, air, sea, and space.  

The Ministerial Council commended the United Arab Emirates for successfully hosting the Fourth Global Symposium on Implementation Support held from 10 to 12 February 2025, organised by the General Authority of Civil Aviation and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), alongside the accompanying exhibition, as well as the launch of the first edition of the “Global Sustainable Aviation Market” initiative.  

The Ministerial Council congratulated the United Arab Emirates on the successful 12th session of the World Government Summit, which took place in Dubai under the theme “Shaping Future Governments” from 10 to 13 February 2025. The summit presented effective governance themes, global economics, future financing, city resilience, crisis and climate response, the future of humanity, capacity building, global health transitions, and the perspectives of emerging trends such as artificial intelligence and sustainability-driven technology, whilst enhancing government work and strengthening collaborations between governments.  

The Ministerial Council congratulated the Kingdom of Bahrain for successfully hosting the 20th Regional Security Forum, “Manama Dialogue”, aimed at addressing prominent regional and international issues and working towards effective solutions to them.  

The Ministerial Council commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s successful hosting of the 19th Internet Governance Forum (IGF) to discuss policy issues related to internet governance, share expertise, and identify emerging digital challenges and solutions to reinforce international cooperation and raise awareness.  

The Ministerial Council welcomed the adoption of the World Intellectual Property Organisation’s “Riyadh Treaty on Industrial Designs” which will facilitate new avenues for international cooperation and establish legal foundations to support innovation and creativity worldwide.  

The Ministerial Council commended the Sultanate of Oman for successfully hosting the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on February 16-17, 2025, themed “A Journey Towards New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”.

The Ministerial Council praised the State of Qatar for organising the 2024 Doha Forum, in its 22nd iteration themed “The Imperative of Innovation”, on December 7, 2024, providing a global platform for leading discussions on prominent global issues and challenges.  

The Ministerial Council noted the State of Kuwait’s invitation on December 4, 2024, for the Global Humanitarian Overview for 2025, to be launched by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), under the slogan “Strengthening Global Solidarity and Empowering Local Communities”, commending the State of Kuwait’s efforts in global multilateral work and its commitment to advancing humanitarian issues and enhancing international cooperation in addressing escalating humanitarian challenges.  

The Ministerial Council expressed its sincere condolences to the victims of the earthquake that struck the People’s Republic of China, the two plane crashes that occurred in the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Kazakhstan, the wildfires in California in the United States of America, and the fire that broke out in a hotel in Bolu Province in Turkey, whilst highlighting the solidarity and support from GCC states, both official and popular, for the affected and those in need, stemming from their significant and ongoing role in humanitarian and relief efforts.  

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

Joint Gulf Action: 

1. The Ministerial Council reviewed the status of consultations concerning the implementation of the Council’s decision during its 33rd session regarding the proposal by the late Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to move from a phase of cooperation to a phase of union, directing the Ministerial Council to continue its efforts for this transition, delegating the Ministerial Council and the head of the specialised authority to complete the necessary procedures and report back to the Ministerial Council at its upcoming session.  

2. The Ministerial Council reiterated its commitment to the strength and cohesion of the GCC, the unity of its members, and the achievement of greater coordination, integration, and interconnectedness across all fields to fulfil the aspirations of the citizens of member states, affirming that the states will stand united against any threats faced by any member country.  

The Situation in Gaza:  

3. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC’s solidarity with the brotherly Palestinian people in Gaza and its surroundings, calling for an end to the blockade imposed on the Strip, alleviating the plight of the Palestinian people, ensuring safe delivery of all humanitarian aid and essentials to Gaza’s residents, and demanding the protection of civilians against targeting and adherence to international law and humanitarian law without exception.

4. The Ministerial Council declared its support for the Palestinian people’s steadfastness and rejected any attempts to forcibly relocate residents of Gaza, as this constitutes a gross violation of international law and humanitarian principles, urging for international protection for the Palestinian population.

5. The Ministerial Council condemned the decision of the Israeli occupation government on March 2, 2025, to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, which constitutes a serious violation of the ceasefire agreement, international humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention. It called on the international community to stop these grave Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid.

6. The Ministerial Council expressed its condemnation and denunciation of the statements made by Israeli officials regarding the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, which constitute a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

7. The Ministerial Council praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip. It emphasised the necessity of adhering to the agreement, halting the Israeli aggression on Gaza, and completely withdrawing from the Strip and all Palestinian territories. The Council expressed hope that this agreement would contribute to a lasting ceasefire and allow for the timely and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid. It also called on the international community to pressure Israel to fulfill its obligations in this regard.

8. The Ministerial Council welcomed the joint statement issued by the Arab six-party meeting in Cairo regarding Palestine on February 1, 2025, which underscored the importance of sustaining the ceasefire and ensuring the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout the Gaza Strip. It expressed full support for the resilience of the Palestinian people on their land and their adherence to their legitimate rights in accordance with international law. The Council rejected any infringement on those inalienable rights, whether through settlement activities, eviction and demolition of homes, annexation of land, or by emptying that land of its rightful owners through displacement or encouraging the transfer or uprooting of Palestinians from their land in any form or under any circumstances and justifications.

9. The Ministerial Council affirmed the decisions of the Security Council 2735, 2712, and 2720 regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and exchange of prisoners, the return of civilians to their homes, the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Strip. It welcomed the decision of the United Nations General Assembly on December 5, 2024, regarding the ceasefire in Gaza and enabling the civilian population in the Gaza Strip to access essential services and humanitarian aid without obstacles. The Council stressed the necessity of complying with international law and international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and rejecting any attempts to change the demographic or territorial character of the Strip, stressing the importance of unifying the Gaza Strip and the West Bank under the umbrella of the Palestinian Authority.

10. The Ministerial Council reiterated Israel’s full responsibility for its violations and assaults against the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians, mostly women and children, labelling these acts as war crimes under international humanitarian law.

11. The Ministerial Council called on the international community to take necessary actions, within the framework of international law, to respond to the practices of the Israeli government and its policy of collective punishment against the residents of the Gaza Strip.

12. The Ministerial Council condemned in the strongest terms the crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces in the Gaza Strip, in the context of genocide and ethnic cleansing, including the killing of civilians, torture, extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearance, forced displacement, and looting. It demanded that the Security Council establish an independent international committee to investigate these crimes, take serious steps to prevent them, hold the perpetrators accountable, and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.

13. The Ministerial Council condemned the destruction by Israeli forces of residential neighbourhoods, hospitals, schools, universities, mosques, churches, and infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, including the massacre committed by Israeli occupation forces in the Nuseirat camp on December 13, 2024, and the burning of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza on December 27, 2024, which led to the evacuation of all patients and medical staff.

14. The Ministerial Council condemned the targeting of humanitarian and UN organisations in the Gaza Strip by occupation forces, as well as the attacks by Israeli settlers on humanitarian aid convoys, reaffirming the responsibility of Israeli occupation forces to protect these convoys under international humanitarian law, to deliver essential humanitarian aid to Gaza, and not to hinder the work of international organizations.

15. The Ministerial Council affirmed its support for the Palestinian-Egyptian-Arab plan, adopted by the extraordinary Arab summit "Palestine Summit" held on March 4, 2025, in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt. It stressed that the future of the Gaza Strip should be within the context of a unified Palestinian state and the implementation of the two-state solution. The Council welcomed the summit's decision to hold an international conference for recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, urging the international community and all brotherly and friendly countries to actively and generously participate in the donor conference for reconstruction, scheduled to be held as soon as possible, and to mobilise the necessary resources to implement the plan in cooperation with the Palestinian government and relevant international parties, stressing the importance of the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and enhancing their resilience on their land, involving them in reconstruction efforts.

16. The Ministerial Council stressed the necessity of opening all crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip and ensuring access for any investigation or fact-finding committee regarding the allegations of genocide, stressing the importance of international resolutions covering all Palestinian territories, in accordance with relevant international legitimacy resolutions, renewing its call for the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop the Israeli aggression.

17. The Ministerial Council called on the Security Council to take a binding decision under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, ensuring that Israeli occupation forces comply with a permanent ceasefire and halt the genocide of the Palestinian people and their forced displacement, as well as the entry of humanitarian aid and the restoration of normal life in the Gaza Strip.

18. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the ministerial conference to enhance the humanitarian response in the Gaza Strip, held in the Arab Republic of Egypt on December 2, 2024, which stressed the need to enhance humanitarian response immediately and effectively to meet the basic needs of the population in Gaza. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of increasing humanitarian aid, including food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter, to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in the Strip.

19. The Ministerial Council noted the efforts made by the GCC countries and Arab states on the political front to stop Israeli assaults on the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian and relief assistance provided by GCC countries to Gaza, and the popular campaigns to aid the Palestinian people and deliver humanitarian aid to the besieged residents.

20. The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of what was stated in the extraordinary Arab summit "Palestine Summit" regarding the call to establish an international fund to care for the orphans of Gaza in cooperation with the United Nations.

The Palestinian Issue:

21. The Ministerial Council affirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue and the need to end the Israeli occupation, supporting the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all occupied Palestinian territories. The Council called on all countries to complete their recognition of the State of Palestine and to take urgent collective action to achieve a lasting solution that ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions. It stressed the need to intensify cooperation with international and regional powers and to double the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict, in a manner that meets all the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.

22. The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of the initiatives announced by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, during the 33rd Arab Summit held in Bahrain, calling for an international peace conference in the Middle East to establish a national, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, and to support efforts for international recognition of the State of Palestine and its full membership in the United Nations. The Council also reiterated the summit's call for the deployment of international protection and peacekeeping forces under the United Nations in the occupied Palestinian territories until the two-state solution is implemented.

23. The Ministerial Council welcomed the recognition of the State of Palestine and its sovereignty over its land by 146 countries so far, appreciating the leading role of the Kingdom of Spain in this regard. It called on all countries to take the necessary measures to recognise the State of Palestine and support the national rights of the Palestinian people.

24. The Ministerial Council reiterated the importance of what was stated in the extraordinary Arab summit "Palestine Summit" regarding the deployment of international protection and peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories in Gaza and the West Bank, by a decision of the Security Council.

25. The Ministerial Council expressed its support for the efforts of the international coalition to implement the two-state solution, and for the initiatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in cooperation with the Kingdom of Norway and the European Union, to establish a timeline for realising an independent Palestinian state and ending the Israeli occupation. The Council welcomed the results of the third meeting held in Oslo on January 15, 2025, and the fourth meeting held in Cairo on February 17, 2025, calling on all countries wishing for peace to join this initiative.

26. The Ministerial Council welcomed the decision of the United Nations General Assembly to hold a high-level international conference aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement of the Palestinian issue and implementing the two-state solution, scheduled to take place at the UN headquarters in New York in June 2025, co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and France. The Council stressed the importance of active participation in this conference and supporting the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this context.

27. The Ministerial Council affirmed its support for the efforts of the ministerial committee led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was formed by the extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic summit to work on stopping the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and to explain the recovery and reconstruction plan for Gaza. It also highlighted the importance of the continued work of the Arab ministerial committee supporting the State of Palestine, chaired by the Kingdom of Bahrain, in mobilising international support for Palestine’s efforts to gain further recognition, achieve full UN membership, hold an international peace conference, and provide international protection for the Palestinian people.

28. The Ministerial Council expressed its support for the Conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Geneva Conventions of 1949, scheduled to be held in Switzerland on March 7, 2025, to discuss the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

29. The Ministerial Council welcomed the decision of the United Nations General Assembly on December 12, 2024, to request an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice regarding Israel's decision to prohibit the agency's work in the occupied territories. It reaffirmed the importance of supporting the agency under the critical humanitarian circumstances and its vital role in supporting the relief, humanitarian, and developmental efforts for the Palestinian people.

30. The Ministerial Council welcomed the decision of the United Nations General Assembly on December 5, 2024, in which the Assembly affirmed its full support for the mandate of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in all its fields of work, for all the losses, damages, and destruction inflicted on the Agency in the occupied Palestinian territories.

31. The Ministerial Council condemned the decision of the Israeli government on January 28, 2025, to stop the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), calling on the United Nations to carry out its responsibilities under international law, obliging the occupying state to reverse this decision, and ensuring the continuation of the Agency’s work in providing its services to Palestinian refugees.

32. The Ministerial Council welcomed the appointment of Dutch Minister Ms Sigrid Kaag as interim Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, as part of the United Nations’ ongoing efforts to enhance its role in achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

33. The Ministerial Council appreciated the efforts made by Arab countries to achieve national reconciliation to restore Palestinian national unity, reunite the Palestinian people, and safeguard their interests.

34. The Ministerial Council welcomed the United Nations General Assembly resolution dated September 13, 2024, regarding “ending the unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territories”, and Palestine's eligibility for full membership in the United Nations, calling on the Security Council to promptly issue a resolution for the State of Palestine to obtain full membership in the United Nations.

35. The Ministerial Council called on the international community to intervene to stop the targeting of the Palestinian presence in the city of Jerusalem, expelling Palestinians from their homes, attempts to change its legal and historical character, demographic composition, and arrangements for Islamic holy sites, and attempts to impose Israeli sovereignty over it in clear violation of international law, international resolutions, and existing agreements, stressing the rejection of these unilateral measures.

36. The Ministerial Council condemned Israel’s continued construction of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories and the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes, and expressed its rejection of any move to annex settlements in the West Bank to Israel, in clear violation of the United Nations Charter, the 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 Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. The Council called on the international community to pressure the Israeli authorities to reverse their settlement decisions that violate international laws and resolutions.

37. The Ministerial Council condemned the allegations and claims of the Israeli occupation regarding the published map that shows parts of Arab countries (Jordan, Lebanon, Syria) within their borders, warning that publishing such maps would hinder the chances of peace in the region.

38. The Ministerial Council condemned the continued attacks by the Israeli occupation forces in the West Bank, including the bombing of the town of Tamoun on January 29, 2025, and the bombing of the city of Jenin on January 23, 2025, as well as their systematic destruction of infrastructure, calling on the international community to exert efforts to prevent further loss of life and avoid further escalation of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.

39. The Ministerial Council commended the decision of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on October 16, 2024, which called on the Israeli occupation government, as the occupying power, to cease all its unilateral measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, and to consider such actions null and void.

40. The Ministerial Council condemned the storming of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli Minister of National Security under the protection of the occupation authorities on December 26, 2024, in violation of Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution No. 2334. It also condemned the repeated storming of the courtyards of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque by settlers and Israeli officials, which represents a serious violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, and a violation of the sanctity of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque, provoking the feelings of Muslims. The ongoing violations and attacks on the holy sites exacerbate tensions and push the situation into a cycle of ongoing violence.

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

41. The Ministerial Council affirmed 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) belonging to the United Arab Emirates, reaffirming the following:

A. Supporting the UAE's right to sovereignty 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 an integral part of the UAE's territory.

B. Considering that any decisions, practices, or actions carried out by Iran on the three islands are null and void and do not change anything of the historical and legal facts that are unanimously agreed upon regarding the UAE's right to sovereignty over its three islands.

C. Calling on Iran to respond to the UAE's efforts to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice.

42. The Ministerial Council condemned the Iranian government’s continued construction of residential facilities to settle Iranians on the three Emirati islands occupied by Iran, and the escalatory positions and measures taken by the Iranian authorities, including the statements issued by Arsalan Maleki, the Iranian Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, on May 12, 2024, regarding Iran’s intention to provide illegal lands and residential projects on the occupied island of Abu Musa, and the statements of the (late) Iranian President on February 4, 2024, during a Cabinet meeting on Iranian industrial efforts on the islands, in addition to the statements of Mohammad Mokhber, First Vice President of Iran, on January 11, 2024, regarding the completion of what he called the document for developing the three islands and what this includes in terms of building residential facilities and projects on the three Emirati islands.

43. The Ministerial Council condemned the Iranian government’s continued construction of illegal colonial residential facilities to settle Iranians on the three Emirati islands occupied by Iran, and the escalatory positions and measures taken by the Iranian authorities, including the announcement by Ali Akbar Safaei, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development, on November 5, 2024, of the start of construction of 110 housing units on Abu Musa Island, and the opening of the Abu Musa multi-purpose port.

44. The Ministerial Council condemned the Iranian military manoeuvres that include the three occupied islands of the United Arab Emirates, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, and the territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone of the three islands as an integral part of the territory of the United Arab Emirates, the latest of which were the Iranian military manoeuvres and the implementation of combat exercises on the occupied island of Abu Musa on June 20, 2024. It called on Iran to cease such violations and provocative actions that constitute interference in the internal affairs of an independent, sovereign state, do not help build confidence, threaten security and stability in the region, and endanger the security and safety of regional and international navigation in the Arabian Gulf.

45. The Ministerial Council condemned the repeated visits of senior Iranian officials to the three occupied UAE islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, the latest of which was the visit of Mohammad Haq Shenas, Deputy Minister of Cultural Heritage of Iran, and Hadi Moeen Far, Deputy Director of Tourism at the General Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts of Hormozgan Province, on January 24, 2024, to the tourism and craft projects and capabilities on Abu Musa Island occupied by Iran. Ali Ozmaei, a commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy, and Major General Ali Reza Tangsiri, Commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy, also visited Abu Musa Island occupied by Iran on January 12, 2025, at the head of a delegation from the Iranian National Defense University, which included a number of students from brotherly and friendly countries.

Al Durra Field:

46. The Ministerial Council affirmed that the entire Al Durra Field is located in the maritime areas of the State of Kuwait, and that the ownership of the natural resources in the submerged divided zone 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 natural resources in that area, in accordance with the provisions of international law and based on the agreements concluded and in force between them, and affirmed its categorical rejection of any claims of the existence of rights for any other party in this field or the submerged area adjacent to the divided zone within its specified borders between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait.

Promoting the Principles of Tolerance, Peaceful Coexistence, and Countering Terrorism and Extremism:

47. The Ministerial Council praised the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the Islamic - Islamic Dialogue Conference in February, under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, under the theme "One Nation, Common Destiny," to promote unity of discourse, reject division and discord, uphold the values of true Islam, and reinforce solidarity and rapprochement among Islamic sects.

48. The Ministerial Council welcomed the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a draft resolution presented by the Kingdom of Bahrain, designating January 28 of each year as an International Day for Peaceful Coexistence, based on an initiative from the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.

49. The Ministerial Council welcomed the launch of the second session of the International Conference on Dialogue among Civilisations and Tolerance on February 19, 2025, in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, where the conference presented diverse insights on the role of youth empowerment in enhancing tolerance.

50. The Council affirmed its steadfast positions and decisions regarding terrorism and extremism, regardless of their source, rejecting all its forms and manifestations, and refusing their motives and justifications. It emphasiaed the need to dry up its funding sources and support international efforts to combat terrorism, asserting that terrorism is not linked to any religion, culture, nationality, or ethnic group. It highlighted that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values on which the societies of the GCC member states are built and how they interact with other peoples. The Ministerial Council condemned all acts of terrorism, affirming the sanctity of bloodshed and the protection of civilians and civilian facilities such as schools, places of worship, and hospitals. It stressed the importance of international and regional coordination to confront terrorist groups and sectarian militias that threaten security and destabilize regions.

51. The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of instilling values of dialogue and respect among peoples and cultures, rejecting anything that promotes hatred and extremism. It called for international efforts to bolster these principles in all societies and promote a culture of religious tolerance, dialogue, and coexistence. The Council condemned statements that are offensive to Islam, Muslims, and Islamic civilisation, affirming the importance of countering all manifestations of hatred, intolerance, negative stereotyping, and the distortion of religious images.

52. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist attack carried out by armed militants on a Pakistani army site in the Makin area of Waziristan province, near the Afghan border, on December 21, 2024, which resulted in the killing of 16 soldiers.

53. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist vehicle-ramming incidents that occurred in the Federal Republic of Germany on December 20, 2024, and on February 13, 2025, along with other vehicle-ramming incidents and assaults on civilians, expressing solidarity with the victims of these attacks and their families.

54. The Ministerial Council condemned the vehicle-ramming incident that took place in New Orleans and the explosion that occurred in front of a hotel in Las Vegas, United States, on January 1, 2025, which resulted in several casualties, expressing condolences to the victims' families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

55. The Ministerial Council condemned the shooting incident that occurred in the city of Cetinje in Montenegro on January 2, 2025, which resulted in casualties and injuries. The Council expressed its solidarity with the Government of Montenegro and its friendly people, as well as with the families of the victims.

56. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist attack that targeted the presidential palace in the Chadian capital, N'Djamena, on January 9, 2025, which resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several civilians. The Council extended its sincere condolences to the Republic of Chad and the families of the victims, along with best wishes for the swift recovery of the injured.

57. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist attack that targeted army forces in the Alibori area of the Republic of Benin on January 12, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of several soldiers. The Council expressed its heartfelt condolences to the Government of the Republic of Benin, its people, and the families of the victims.

58. The Ministerial Council condemned the shooting incident that took place in the city of Örebro in the Kingdom of Sweden on February 5, 2025, which resulted in the death and injury of several civilians. The Council expressed its condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and to the people and Government of Sweden.

59. The Ministerial Council condemned the continued foreign support for terrorist groups and sectarian militias in the Middle East, which threaten Arab national security, destabilise the region, and hinder international efforts to combat terrorism, particularly the efforts of the international coalition against ISIS.

60. The Ministerial Council called for stringent measures to combat terrorism, extremism, hate speech, and incitement, condemning these acts wherever they occur due to their negative impact on social peace and the sustainability of international peace and security, as well as their encouragement of conflicts and their escalation and recurrence worldwide, undermining security and stability, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2686 (2023) and Resolution 2734 (2024).

61. The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of strengthening the Gulf Cooperation Council's relations with brotherly and friendly countries, and working with regional and international organisations to combat the phenomenon of terrorism and extremism and their serious impacts and ramifications on the region, threatening international peace and security.

Iran:

62. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its firm positions and decisions regarding relations with Iran, stressing the necessity for Iran to adhere to the fundamental principles based on the United Nations Charter, international law, principles of good neighbourliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful resolution of disputes, refraining from the use or threat of force, and rejecting terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism.

63. The Ministerial Council expressed the GCC's concern over developments in the Iranian nuclear issue, emphasising the importance of expediting constructive understandings on this matter to maintain the security and stability of the region. The Council members expressed their readiness to cooperate and engage effectively with this issue, participating in all negotiations, discussions, and regional and international meetings related to it. These negotiations should encompass not only the Iranian nuclear programme but also all security concerns of the GCC states, including ballistic and cruise missiles, drones, the safety of international navigation, and oil facilities, contributing to the achievement of common goals and interests within the framework of respecting state sovereignty, principles of good neighbourliness, and adherence to international resolutions and legitimacy to ensure the enhancement of regional and international security and stability.

64. The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of Iran's commitment to not exceeding the uranium enrichment levels required for peaceful uses and the necessity of fulfilling all its obligations and fully cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

65. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of maintaining maritime security and waterways in the region and addressing activities that threaten the security and stability of the region and the world, including targeting commercial ships, threatening maritime navigation and international trade, and oil facilities in the GCC countries.

Yemen:

66. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council, headed by His Excellency Dr Rashad Mohammed Al Alimi, and the entities supporting it to achieve security and stability in Yemen and to reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the Gulf Initiative and its executive mechanism, the outputs of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and Security Council Resolution 2216, preserving Yemen's sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, and independence.

67. The Ministerial Council welcomed the ongoing sincere efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, and the communications with all Yemeni parties to revive the political process, leading to a comprehensive and sustainable political solution in Yemen. It emphasised the importance of the Houthis engaging positively with international and UN efforts aimed at ending the Yemeni crisis and seriously addressing peace initiatives and efforts to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

68. The Ministerial Council renewed its support for the efforts of the United Nations and its Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the three references. The Council commended the Yemeni government's commitment to renewing the humanitarian truce announced by the United Nations in Yemen.

69. The Ministerial Council called on the Yemeni parties to fully implement the commitments outlined in the set of measures announced by the UN envoy on December 23, 2023, including the implementation of a comprehensive ceasefire covering all of Yemen, measures to improve living conditions, and engagement in preparations to resume an inclusive political process under the patronage of the United Nations. The Council appreciated the UN's efforts to maintain the truce that has been in place since April 2022, calling for a firm stance against the practices of the Houthis that contradict the efforts of the UN and regional countries to establish peace in Yemen.

70. The Ministerial Council expressed deep concern over the ongoing developments in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, emphasising the importance of de-escalation to maintain security and stability in the region and respect the right to maritime navigation therein, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982. It condemned the continued foreign interventions in Yemen's internal affairs and the smuggling of military experts and weapons to the Houthi militias, in blatant violation of Security Council Resolutions 2216, 2231, and 2624.

71. The Ministerial Council commended the role of the Sultanate of Oman in the release of the crew members of the ship "Galaxy." The Council called on the Houthi group to immediately release all detained employees working for the United Nations, the US Embassy, international organisations and other diplomatic missions, as it is a violation of the rules of international law and diplomatic norms.

72. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the 22nd meeting of the Joint Technical Committee to identify the developmental needs of the Republic of Yemen, with the participation of GCC states, the Republic of Yemen, national and regional development funds, the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen (SDRPY), the Islamic Development Bank, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, and the United Nations Development Programme, to enable the Republic of Yemen to complete the implementation of priority developmental projects and provide essential services to the Yemeni people.

73. The Ministerial Council praised the new economic support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Yemen, amounting to $500 million, which includes a deposit of $300 million in the Central Bank of Yemen to improve the economic and financial situation, and $200 million to support addressing the Yemeni budget deficit, from a total of $1.2 billion through the the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen (SDRPY), This support aims to enhance food security in Yemen, support salaries and wages, operational expenses, and assist the government in implementing an economic reform programme, with the goal of establishing the foundations for economic, financial, and monetary stability in the Republic of Yemen, enhancing the public finance situation, developing and building the capacities of governmental institutions, improving governance and transparency, and empowering the private sector to drive sustainable economic growth and create job opportunities, leading to a more sustainable national economy and advancing economic and social development, thereby supporting the Yemeni government’s budget and the Central Bank of Yemen. The Ministerial Council appreciated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving stability and growth for the Yemeni people.

74. The Ministerial Council welcomed the bilateral agreement on financial arrangements signed by the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) and the Republic of Yemen to resume Kuwait's financing of development programmes in Yemen and to alleviate the debt burden on Yemen by restructuring the repayment of overdue interests and installments and contributing to financing infrastructure projects in agriculture, irrigation, transportation, telecommunications, energy, industry, water, and sanitation, as well as in the health and education sectors, helping the government address the urgent economic and financial burdens exacerbated by Houthi militia attacks on oil facilities and international shipping lines.

75. The Ministerial Council applauded the achievements of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre and the humanitarian support provided by the GCC Office for Coordination of Humanitarian and Relief Assistance to the Republic of Yemen, as well as the humanitarian and developmental assistance offered by all GCC states to Yemen. It highlighted the developmental and vital projects implemented by the Saudi Development and Reconstruction Programme for Yemen (SDRPY), which includes 263 developmental projects and initiatives across seven key sectors: education, health, water, energy, transportation, agriculture, and fisheries, as well as building the capacities of governmental institutions, and providing financial support for the Yemeni government's budget, supporting salaries and operational expenses, and food security in Yemen. The Council also recognised the efforts of the Saudi project for mine clearance (Masam) to purify Yemeni land from mines, which has successfully removed 480,526 mines and unexploded ordnance and cleared 64,691,637 square meters of land in Yemen that were planted with mines and unexploded munitions indiscriminately by the Houthi militias, causing casualties among innocent children, women, and the elderly.

Iraq:

76. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its firm positions and decisions regarding the sisterly Republic of Iraq, supporting ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability in Iraq. It emphasised the importance of preserving the integrity and unity of Iraq's territory, its full sovereignty, Arab identity, social fabric, and national unity, and its support in confronting terrorist groups and armed militias to uphold state sovereignty and enforce the law.

77. The Ministerial Council commended the positive partnership between the GCC and Iraq, stressing the need to move forward with the electrical interconnection project to link Iraq with the electricity grid of the GCC states, achieving greater integration and connectivity between Iraq and the member states, which serves their common interests and paves the way for further cooperation in the future.

78. The Ministerial Council condemned all terrorist operations targeting Iraq and affirmed the GCC's solidarity with Iraq in combating terrorism and extremism, stressing the necessity of respecting Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

79. The Ministerial Council welcomed the resumption of the work of the joint technical and legal Kuwaiti-Iraqi committee for maritime boundary delimitation beyond marker 162. The Council urged the Iraqi side to continue the work of the joint committee until its tasks are completed, expressing its hope for the resolution of the maritime boundary delimitation beyond marker 162 in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982. It called on Iraq to respond to Kuwait's request to resume the meetings of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi joint committee to organise navigation in Khor Abdullah.

80. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of the Republic of Iraq respecting the sovereignty of the State of Kuwait and its territorial integrity, and adhering to the commitments and bilateral and international agreements, as well as all relevant United Nations resolutions, especially Security Council Resolution 833 (1993) regarding the delimitation of the Kuwaiti-Iraqi land and maritime borders. The Council called on Iraq to work diligently to complete the maritime boundary delimitation between the two countries beyond maritime marker 162. It also urged the Iraqi government to comply with the Agreement on Organising Maritime Navigation in Khor Abdullah, signed between Kuwait and Iraq on April 29, 2012, which entered into force on December 5, 2013, and was jointly deposited with the United Nations on December 18, 2013. The Ministerial Council expressed its complete rejection of the statements made in the context of the ruling of the Federal Supreme Court of Iraq regarding this matter and its rejection of the historical inaccuracies contained in the ruling's rationale. It considered any unilateral decisions, practices, or actions by Iraq concerning the Khor Abdullah Agreement to be null and void. Additionally, it rejected Iraq's unilateral action to cancel the security exchange protocol signed in 2008 and its approved map in the joint plan to ensure the safety of navigation in Khor Abdullah, signed by both parties on December 28, 2014, which included a clear and specific mechanism for amendment and cancellation.

81. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed its support for Security Council Resolution 2732 (2024) and highlighted the importance of ensuring the continued monitoring by the Security Council of developments regarding the humanitarian file of prisoners and missing persons, as well as the file of Kuwaiti property, including the national archives. It insisted on adhering to the Security Council's framework as outlined in Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013), which specified the reporting framework related to Kuwait's files to the Security Council, excluding other UN bodies, and the continuation of the periodic reporting mechanism on this matter, considering that this has contributed to achieving tangible positive developments in this regard. The Ministerial Council also affirmed that the fair and most suitable alternative after the termination of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is the appointment of a high-level coordinator by the Secretary-General to follow up on Kuwait’s humanitarian and national files, similar to the practice before the issuance of Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013). This is based on the premise that this mechanism has been previously tried and proven successful. The Council called on the Iraqi government to cooperate to achieve progress in this matter and to make every effort to reach a final resolution of these files.

Syria:

82. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, and rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs, and that Syria's security and stability are a fundamental pillar of the stability of the region's security, stressing the need to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, good neighbourliness, and peaceful resolution of disputes, in order to preserve regional and international peace and security, and the need to confront terrorism and chaos, combat extremism, fanaticism and incitement, respect diversity and not offend the beliefs of others.

83. The Ministerial Council congratulated President Ahmed Al Sharaa on assuming the presidency of the Syrian Arab Republic in the transitional phase, expressing its wishes for progress and prosperity for the Syrian Arab Republic and its brotherly people.

84. The Ministerial Council welcomed the contents of the speech of the President of the Syrian Arab Republic on January 30, 2025, in which he affirmed the commitment of the new Syrian leadership to building a comprehensive state for all components of the Syrian people, forming a transitional government to build state institutions in preparation for holding free and fair elections, launching the National Dialogue Conference, and drafting a new constitution. The Ministerial Council also welcomed the convening of the Syrian National Dialogue Conference on February 25, 2025. 

85. The Ministerial Council welcomed the results of the International Ministerial Conference on Syria, held in Paris on February 13, 2025, and stressed support for the process undertaken by the Syrian government to achieve the aspirations of the Syrian people, and mobilising international efforts to coordinate cooperation in supporting the economy, and providing assistance to the Syrian people. 

86. The Ministerial Council called on all parties and components of the Syrian people to join efforts, give priority to the supreme interest, and adhere to national unity, in order to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people, stressing the need to ensure the safety of civilians, achieve national reconciliation, preserve the institutions of the Syrian state and its capabilities, integrate the armed factions under the umbrella of the Ministry of Defense, and restrict the carrying of weapons to the state, in order to maintain security and stability in Syria and restore its regional role and international status. The Council expressed its support for all efforts and endeavors working to reach a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process that achieves the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for stability, development, and a decent life.

87. The Ministerial Council condemned all acts of violence aimed at destabilising Syria, stressing the GCC's firm position rejecting violence, terrorism and criminal acts, regardless of the motives and reasons.

88. The Ministerial Council condemned the repeated Israeli attacks on the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, including the occupation of the buffer zone on the Syrian border, stressing the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop these attacks on Syrian territory, and for Israel to withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories.

89. The Ministerial Council welcomed Security Council Resolution 2766, dated December 20, 2024, regarding the need for all parties to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and to renew the mandate of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force for a period of 6 months.

90. The Ministerial Council stressed that the Golan Heights is Syrian Arab land, condemning the Israeli occupation's decisions to expand settlements in the occupied Golan, in a serious violation of the United Nations Charter, the principles of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions.

91. The Ministerial Council called for lifting sanctions on the Syrian Arab Republic, and urged all partners, countries and concerned organisations to provide all means of support to the brotherly Syrian people, stressing the continuation of the GCC countries in providing humanitarian assistance. Welcoming the positive steps taken by the United States of America, the European Union and the United Kingdom to ease some of the sanctions imposed on Syria.

92. The Ministerial Council expressed its rejection of the statements and foreign interventions that destabilise security and stability in Syria, which fuel strife among the components of the Syrian people, and everything that affects its national security.

93. The Ministerial Council welcomed the statement issued by the presidency of the Riyadh meetings on Syria, dated January 12, 2025, which stressed providing support to the brotherly Syrian people at this important stage and helping them rebuild Syria as a unified, independent and secure Arab state, and supporting a Syrian political transitional process in which the Syrian political and social forces are represented, preserving the rights of all Syrians and with the participation of the various components of the Syrian people.

94. The Ministerial Council expressed its support for the efforts of the United Nations, its Special Envoy for Syria, and the efforts made to care for Syrian refugees and displaced persons, and to work on their voluntary and safe return to Syria, in accordance with international standards. The Council expressed its rejection of any attempts to bring about demographic changes in Syria, stressing the call of the Secretary General of the United Nations to establish a United Nations mission to assist and sponsor the transitional process in Syria.

95. The Ministerial Council commended the results of the visit by His Excellency the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait (the Presidency State) and the Secretary General of the GCC to Damascus on December 30, 2024. The Council expressed its support for the efforts of the Arab League, brotherly and friendly countries, and the United Nations in assisting the Syrian people to achieve a political process led by their Syrian brothers, as well as in providing care for refugees and displaced persons.

96. The Ministerial Council highlighted the generous aid and humanitarian bridges provided by the GCC states to the brotherly Syrian people, as well as the assistance offered by brotherly and friendly countries to meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Lebanon:

97. The Ministerial Council reaffirmed the steadfast positions of the GCC in support of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, stressing its continuous support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability. It highlighted the importance of implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms to ensure that Lebanon overcomes its political and economic crisis and does not become a launching pad for terrorism, drug trafficking, or other criminal activities that threaten the security and stability of the region.

98. The Ministerial Council commended the results of the visit by His Excellency the Foreign Minister of the State of Kuwait (the Presidency State) and the Secretary General of the GCC to Beirut on January 24, 2025.

99. The Ministerial Council congratulated His Excellency President Joseph Aoun on his victory in the presidential elections of the sisterly Republic of Lebanon and welcomed the contents of his oath of office speech on January 9, 2025, which affirmed the state's right to control arms, combat terrorism and smuggling, preserve the unity of Lebanese territory, uphold Lebanon's Arab identity, build strategic partnerships with Arab and friendly countries, and reject any threats to its stability and security. The Council praised the results of his visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 3, 2025, and welcomed the contents of the joint statement issued after the visit. It also welcomed the formation of a new government headed by Nawaf Salam, affirming the GCC's support for the path of reform and the building of the Lebanese state, expressing hope that Lebanon would regain security and peace and achieve the aspirations of the Lebanese people for stability, prosperity, and development.

100. The Ministerial Council stressed the necessity of adhering to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, condemning the continued Israeli attacks, which have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure and civilian and health facilities.

101. The Ministerial Council condemned the targeting of United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL), in violation of international law and Security Council resolutions, expressing support for the measures taken by the sisterly Republic of Lebanon to confront attempts to undermine the security of Lebanese citizens.

102. The Ministerial Council praised the decision of the United Arab Emirates to reopen its embassy in the Republic of Lebanon.

103. The Ministerial Council stressed the need to implement Security Council resolutions regarding Lebanon, especially Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, to restore lasting security and stability in Lebanon, ensure respect for its territorial integrity, political independence, and sovereignty within its internationally recognised borders, and extend the Lebanese government's control over all Lebanese territory.

104. The Ministerial Council affirmed its support for the efforts of the Quintet Group on Lebanon, which stressed the importance of implementing necessary economic reforms for the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities toward its citizens. It commended the efforts of Lebanon's friends and partners to restore and enhance trust and cooperation between Lebanon and the GCC states, and their support for the role of the Lebanese army and internal security forces in maintaining Lebanon's security.

105. The Ministerial Council called for intensified international and regional efforts to provide urgent humanitarian support to Lebanon to alleviate the suffering of civilians, protect them from any serious repercussions, and avoid involvement in regional conflicts to prevent the escalation of the dispute in the region.

106. The Ministerial Council noted the assistance provided by the GCC states to the brotherly Lebanese people, as well as the aid offered by brotherly and friendly countries to meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Sudan:

107. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC's firm positions and decisions on the importance of preserving Sudan's sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, supporting Sudan in confronting developments and repercussions of the current crisis, the need for calm, the need to favour dialogue and unify ranks, and return to the path of the political process leading to a civilian authority, alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Sudanese people, preserving the cohesion of national state institutions, preventing their collapse, and preventing the escalation of conflict and confrontations between the Sudanese parties, and urging them to engage seriously and effectively with crisis resolution initiatives, including the Jeddah Forum and neighboring countries and others.

108. The Ministerial Council affirmed the importance of the commitment of the two parties to the conflict in Sudan to end this conflict in light of what was agreed upon in the Jeddah Declaration signed on May 11, 2023, regarding the commitment to protect civilians, and the declaration issued on May 20, 2023, regarding the agreement on a short-term ceasefire and humanitarian arrangements within the framework of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

109. The Ministerial Council condemned the targeting of the Saudi Hospital in El Fasher on 26 January 2025, which resulted in the killing and wounding of a number of people, in violation of international law and international humanitarian law, which stressed the need to ensure the safety of patients and medical staff working in hospitals and to preserve health facilities in times of war.

110. The Ministerial Council expressed its concern about the humanitarian crisis in the Republic of Sudan, stressing Security Council Resolution 2417 of 28 May 2018, which calls on all parties to the armed conflict to comply with international humanitarian law, and the need for the parties to commit to protecting civilians and meeting the basic needs of the population, to avoid the risk of famine and food insecurity resulting from the conflict. 

111. The Ministerial Council affirmed Security Council Resolution No. 2736 issued on June 13, 2024, which calls for the full implementation of the Jeddah Declaration on the commitment to protect civilians in Sudan, and the pursuit of an immediate ceasefire and the resolution of the conflict through dialogue, calling on all parties to ensure the removal of any obstacles, and to enable the full, rapid, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance. 

112. The Ministerial Council noted the humanitarian aid and bridges provided by the GCC countries to the brotherly Sudanese people, and the aid provided by brotherly and friendly countries and international organizations, to meet urgent humanitarian needs.

Afghanistan:

113. The Ministerial Council stressed the importance of restoring security and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which fulfills the aspirations of the Afghan people and benefits regional and international peace and security. It highlighted the importance of ensuring women's rights to education and work, protecting minorities, and ensuring that Afghan territory is not used by any terrorist groups or exploited for drug trafficking.

114. The Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC's solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and in enhancing security and stability within its territory.

115. The Ministerial Council condemned the bombing that occurred at the Ministry of Refugees in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on December 11, 2024, which resulted in the death of the Minister of Refugees and Repatriation in the Afghan caretaker government and several of his escorts. It reiterated the GCC's steadfast position against violence, terrorism, and criminal acts, including political assassinations, regardless of the motives or reasons.

116. The Ministerial Council condemned the terrorist bombing that took place in Kunduz Province, Afghanistan, on February 11, 2025, and the terrorist attack in the Afghan capital, Kabul, on February 13, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of several civilians. It expressed sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims' families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Crisis Between Russia and Ukraine:

117. The Ministerial Council affirmed that the GCC's position on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is based on the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, maintaining the international order built on respecting the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the prohibition of the use of force or threats.

118. The Ministerial Council praised the diplomatic efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its hosting of talks between the Russian Federation and the United States regarding the Ukrainian crisis in Riyadh on February 18, 2025. It expressed hope that these discussions would achieve their intended goals of enhancing security and stability.

119. The Ministerial Council reiterated its support for the mediation efforts and initiatives undertaken by the GCC countries to contribute to a political solution to the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. It affirmed its support for international and regional efforts to resolve the crisis, including the meetings of national security advisors held in Jeddah, Copenhagen, and Doha.

120. The Ministerial Council commended the successful mediation efforts of the United Arab Emirates between the Russian Federation and Ukraine, which resulted in the completion of a prisoner exchange process involving 2,883 prisoners from both sides. It also praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in securing the release of detainees and facilitating exchanges between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the successful mediation of Qatar in reuniting Ukrainian and Russian children with their families. The Council acknowledged the efforts of all GCC countries and their success in mediating the exchange of prisoners between the parties, based on their commitment to humanitarian principles and international solidarity in building peace and stability.

121. The Ministerial Council noted the humanitarian and relief assistance provided by the GCC states to Ukraine and emphasised the importance of continuing support for all efforts to facilitate the export of grains and all food and humanitarian materials to contribute to ensuring food security for affected countries.

Enhancing Strategic Partnerships with Other Countries and Groups:

122. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, held on March 6, 2025, in Makkah with His Excellency Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The Council praised the partnership between the GCC and the sisterly Kingdom of Jordan, highlighting the importance of intensifying efforts to implement the joint action plan agreed upon within this special strategic partnership.

123. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the joint ministerial meeting for strategic dialogue between the GCC and the Arab Republic of Egypt, held on March 6, 2025, in Makkah with His Excellency Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt. The Council noted the importance of enhancing strategic dialogue with the Arab Republic of Egypt through the memorandum of understanding signed on February 24, 2022, and intensifying efforts to implement the joint action plan for the period 2024-2028.

124. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Kingdom of Morocco, held on March 6, 2025, in Makkah with His Excellency Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates. The Council emphasised the importance of intensifying efforts to implement the joint action plans agreed upon within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco.

125. The Ministerial Council welcomed the outcomes of the joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Syrian Arab Republic, held on March 6, 2025, in Makkah with His Excellency Asaad Al Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, affirming support for the brotherly Syrian people and providing all possible assistance during this important phase of their history.

126. The Ministerial Council underscored the importance of enhancing economic relations with countries and international economic blocs to achieve the trade and investment interests of GCC states and to bolster their regional and international standing, including through negotiations on free trade agreements that the GCC is working on with several countries and international economic groups.

Issued in Makkah

6 Ramadan 1446 AH, corresponding to March 6, 2025

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