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44th GCC meeting in Doha concludes: Arab leaders highlight regional stability and security of Gulf countries
Condemning Israel's aggression in Gaza and asking for international support for the Palestinian people as well as disputes with Iran over natural resources and concerns over its nuclear programme shaped the negotiations.
HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates attends the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in Doha, Qatar, December 5, 2023.UAE Presidential Court/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
The 44th meeting of the heads of the Gulf Cooperation Council hosted by Doha, concluded yesterday as the Gulf leaders emphasized their desire to maintain stability and security in the region and underscored the role of the “Cooperation Council “as a “basic pillar for maintaining regional and global peace and security”.
The final statement of the Gulf Summit focused on principles including respect for sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs based on international conventions, customs, and laws, and condemning threats against any member.
This statement outlined integral security protocols of the GCC countries based on the principles of common defence, the concept of collective security, the GCC Constitution, and the Common Defence Agreement.
The participants in the meeting also emphasized the positions of the Cooperation Council regarding the rejection of foreign interference in the affairs of Arab countries.
In the final statement of the summit, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council stressed that the member states stand united against any threat that any of the countries of the council face.
The Council welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s participation in the Gulf Summit and the discussion of issues of common interest at the summit, particularly the ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
The main topics revolved around the war in Palestine territories and regional disputes with Iran over natural resources and Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes.
The participants expressed their deep concern over Israel’s open aggression against the Palestinian nation, the escalation of violent acts and indiscriminate bombing of the Gaza Strip, the forced displacement of civilians, as well as destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructures, including residential buildings, schools, health facilities. They condemned attacks on the places of worship and assessed these actions as a clear violation of international laws and international human rights.
In this statement, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council warned of the danger of spreading conflicts to other regions of the Middle East and emphasized that if Israel’s aggression is not stopped, it will have dire consequences for the people of the region and international peace and security.
The Council also addressed the disputes over ownership of the Al-Dara gas field between Iran, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia and affirmed that Saudi Arabia and the government of Kuwait, have exclusive rights to exploit the natural resources in that region.
The Gulf Council also emphasized its firm positions and previous decisions claiming the sovereignty of the United Arab Emirates over the three islands (Tanb-e-Bashar, Tunb-e-Kawsak, and Abu Musa). Iran assumes control over the mentioned region but Arab countries regard it as an unlawful occupation.
The leaders of the participating countries, expressing their concern about the developments in Iran’s nuclear programme, emphasized their readiness for effective cooperation and engagement.
They highlighted the need for the participation of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in all regional and international negotiations, dialogues, and meetings in this regard and said: in addition to Iran’s nuclear programme, these negotiations should include all security issues and concerns of the Gulf countries, including ballistic missiles, cruise and drones, and the safety of international navigation and oil facilities.
In the continuation of this statement, it is stated: “The heads of the countries present emphasized the importance of Iran’s commitment not to exceed the amount of uranium enrichment required for peaceful purposes and the need to fulfill its obligations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.”
They also stressed maintaining maritime security and waterways in the region and countering activities that threaten the security and stability of the region and the world, including targeting commercial ships and threatening shipping lines, international trade, and oil facilities in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.
In the end, the Cooperation Council announced that the Government of Kuwait would be the chairman and host of the 45th Summit.
