Kuwait City: GCC leaders and representatives have issued a strong call for action to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and ensure the sovereignty of Palestinian territories. The declaration was made during the 45th GCC Summit held in Kuwait, emphasizing the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. According to Kuwait News Agency, the Kuwaiti Declaration, released at the conclusion of the summit on December 1, highlighted the increasing role of GCC countries in addressing political and economic challenges regionally and globally. The leaders praised their contributions to resolving issues that threaten peace, security, and stability, while promoting international dialogue and fostering connections among nations. They called for further efforts to strengthen the region's position as a global hub for business and economy, promote sustainable economic diversification, advance digital transformation, stabilize energy markets, and effectively address climate ch ange. The GCC leaders condemned Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank, as well as violations in occupied Jerusalem's holy sites. They urged an immediate end to violence and called for international intervention to protect civilians and support negotiations for peace. The declaration also expressed support for the outcomes of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit held in Saudi Arabia on November 11, 2024, aimed at halting the war in Gaza and advancing the two-state solution. The summit praised Qatar's efforts to mediate a ceasefire and facilitate detainee exchanges. Regarding Lebanon, GCC leaders condemned Israeli aggression and warned of its potential to escalate into a broader regional conflict. They welcomed the temporary ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and called for Israel's withdrawal, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and the return of displaced persons. The leaders expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people and called for a political solution to Lebanon's internal divisions, emphasizing the country's role in Arab security and culture. In Yemen, the GCC leaders commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia and Oman to revive the political process among Yemeni parties. They reiterated the GCC's commitment to peaceful diplomacy in resolving regional and global disputes, respecting state sovereignty, and adhering to international law. The leaders emphasized the need for ongoing implementation of summit decisions to maximize their practical benefits. The GCC leaders underscored the importance of sustainable economic diversification, energy market stability, and effective responses to climate change. They reaffirmed their commitment to empowering Gulf women across various fields and enhancing the role of youth. The leaders highlighted the importance of universities and research institutions in preserving Gulf identity, Arab culture, Islamic values, and principles of good leadership. The summit recognized the digital economy as an opportunity for economic gro wth and regional integration, commending the region's advanced and adaptable digital infrastructure. These investments have positioned the GCC as a global hub for the digital economy, encouraging innovation and supporting emerging technologies. The leaders called for enhanced cooperation among GCC countries to develop joint digital strategies, facilitate e-commerce, advance digital payment systems, and strengthen cybersecurity. Recognizing their diverse resources, skilled workforce, and advanced technologies, the leaders noted the growing contribution of GCC countries to the global economy. They emphasized that the region's digital initiatives aim to achieve national objectives and drive global innovation and economic growth, solidifying the GCC's status as a key player in the digital economy. The leaders stressed the ongoing development of digital infrastructure and the adoption of emerging technologies, alongside building a technically skilled workforce capable of leading the digital transformation. The l eaders affirmed that these collective efforts demonstrate the GCC's commitment to keeping up with global advancements, improving citizens' quality of life, and establishing the region as a global digital economy hub, ensuring sustainable prosperity for both the region and the world.
