Kuwait City: Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya affirmed on Thursday the significance of holding the preparatory consultative meeting for the 162nd session of the Ministerial Council of the 45th GCC summit. He emphasized that this gathering reflects the deep brotherly bonds among the member states and a collective commitment to bolstering the unity of the Gulf ranks.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Minister Al-Yahya, who chaired the session, stated in his keynote address that this meeting represents a crucial step towards strengthening regional integration and provides a platform to address regional and international developments. These developments require more coordinated and unified responses. He highlighted the opportunity to build on past accomplishments and develop a future roadmap aimed at ensuring greater stability and prosperity for the region.
Minister Al-Yahya noted that the meeting occurs at a critical juncture for both the region and the world, where challenges are escalating, and c
rises are worsening. He stressed the need for unified action and shared responsibility to confront threats to regional security and stability. Al-Yahya specifically mentioned the ongoing struggles faced by the Palestinian people.
Reaffirming unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, Al-Yahya emphasized the uncompromising rights of the Palestinians, including their right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, based on the pre-June 4th lines. He urged the international community to fulfill its humanitarian and legal responsibilities towards the unarmed Palestinian population and to halt the ongoing brutal attacks against them. He also highlighted the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and establishing international protection for the Palestinian people.
Al-Yahya commended the efforts of the ministerial committee of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit, under Saudi Arabia’s leadership, for its pivotal role in supporting the Palestinian cause and enhancing diplomatic a
nd relief efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He reiterated support for Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the international coalition advocating for the recognition of the State of Palestine.
Addressing broader regional issues, Al-Yahya condemned persistent Israeli offensives on Arab territories, notably in Lebanon and Syria, describing them as blatant violations of international law and sovereignty. He praised the cease-fire accord in Lebanon and expressed hope that it would lead to the implementation of UNSC resolution 1701. He stressed the importance of respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability and rejected any attempts to undermine its territorial integrity and security. Additionally, he reiterated support for Syria’s unity and stability and called for an end to external interference that exacerbates regional conditions.