Kuwait City: The GCC Secretary-General, Jassim Al-Budaiwi, affirmed the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts seeking a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue. This declaration was made during a speech at the opening of the third joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and Central Asian countries, hosted by Kuwait.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi emphasized the GCC states' full backing of an initiative launched by Saudi Arabia through the "International Coalition to Implement the Two-State Solution". This initiative, announced in New York on September 26, 2024, in partnership with Norway and the European Union, aims to establish an independent Palestinian state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The alliance is seen as a significant shift towards formulating a clear timetable for establishing a Palestinian state and ending the occupation, backed by international support at meetings held in Riyadh, Brussels, Oslo, and Cairo.
Al-Budaiwi called on all nations that believe in a just peace to join this coalition and recognize the State of Palestine, underscoring the importance of supporting the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and contributing to achieving comprehensive and sustainable peace in the Middle East.
The GCC chief highlighted that this meeting continues the momentum from the first summit between GCC and Central Asian leaders in Jeddah in July 2023, which has been translated into practical steps under the Joint Action Plan (2023-2027). He also commended the positive steps taken to promote peace and stability in Central Asia and the Caucasus, welcoming the tripartite agreements between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, affirming the GCC's backing for peaceful conflict resolution efforts.
In his address, Al-Budaiwi praised Kuwait's leading role in strengthening regional and international cooperation, expressing deep gratitude to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah for their generous support of the GCC's progress.