Foreign Minister leads Oman's delegation at session of GCC Ministerial Council

Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi led the Omani delegation participating in the 164th session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in the State of Kuwait.

The session was chaired by Abdullah Al-Yahya, Foreign Minister of Kuwait, President of the current session, with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of the GCC states and Jasem AlBudaiwi the GCC Secretary-General.

The meeting discussed the latest developments relating to Gulf cooperation across political, economic, security and development fields. A number of decisions were adopted to advance the aspirations of the leaders and peoples of the member states towards greater integration and prosperity in the region.

The Ministers also discussed the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, underscoring the need to continue strengthening efforts, in cooperation with the international community, to end the Israeli aggression, protect Palestinian civilians, and ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the safe return of displaced persons to their homes.

They also reaffirmed their firm position calling for the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip and all occupied Palestinian territories in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

The Council praised the intensive efforts by the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America to reach a comprehensive agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

The Council also welcomed the talks between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, commending the efforts undertaken by the Sultanate of Oman in hosting and facilitating these high-level discussions.

It affirmed its support for these diplomatic efforts, stressing the importance of pursuing dialogue as a means to resolve disputes and conflicts peacefully, while expressing hope that the talks would lead to enhanced regional and international security and stability.

Regarding the Syrian issue, the Council welcomed the announcement of the formation of the new Syrian government and noted positively the response of US President Donald Trump in lifting US sanctions on Syria, as well as the United Kingdom’s announcement to amend or lift some of its sanctions.

The Council stressed the importance of supporting efforts aimed at restoring Syria’s security and stability while preserving its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.