PM: GCC indispensable, powerful to serve region's interests

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani has asserted that Qatar is determined to steadfastly exert all efforts, co-ordination, and co-operation for the success of the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Co-operation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) states to accomplish its intended objectives for the service and benefit of the peoples of GCC states.In a joint press conference with GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohamed al-Budaiwi, HE Sheikh Mohamed said that Qatar's hosting of this session stems from its unwavering approach and keenness to support the council's achievements and preserve the unity and cohesion of the Gulf house.He stressed that the GCC is an indispensable, solid and integrated system to serve joint interests and address the challenges facing the region.HE Sheikh Mohamed added that Qatar is honoured to host the summit, which is complementary to the process of the joint fraternal action among the GCC states.He outlined that the summit touched upon the means of promoting the co-operation level among GCC states in political, security, military, economic, and investment areas, as well as other sectors of priority that Qatar strives to achieve based on the directives of the leaders of GCC states.Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that the summit focused on the significance of strengthening the distinguished role and position of the GCC states at the regional and international levels in the current age, which is replete with joint challenges and opportunities.He added that this is in addition to contributing to peacefully resolving conflicts, mediation and enhancing security and stability in the region and the world, as well as supporting the just strategic Arab causes, stemming from the noble goals upon which GCC has been based since its founding in 1981.HE the Prime Minister said that the leaders discussed a range of current regional and international issues, with the war on Gaza and crimes perpetrated by the occupation forces at the forefront, which are in gross violation of international law and international humanitarian law.He indicated that the leaders underscored, in this context, the importance of moving forward with the mediation efforts to ultimately attain full and sustainable ceasefire, ensure opening safe crossings and corridors to secure the delivery of relief and humanitarian assistance, along with the basic needs of the population in Gaza.Sheikh Mohamed added that the leaders also stressed the need for a political process that culminates in a comprehensive, just and enduring peace for the brotherly Palestinian people with their legitimate rights, in accordance with the international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative based on the two-state solution, to establish the independent Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital and ensuring that the Palestinian people regain their full rights.He noted that, during their summit, the leaders welcomed the outcomes of the strategic partnerships with states and other groups, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), European Union and the US, the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the UK and Japan.Sheikh Mohamed pointed out that the summit witnessed the participation of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as a guest of honour in an embodiment of co-operation between GCC states and Turkiye to achieve joint objectives.HE the Prime Minister expressed his thanks to Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi for his efforts during the Sultanate's presidency of the 43rd session of the GCC Supreme Council, along with the achieved productive outcomes in the GCC's activities.Regarding the developments in Gaza, HE Sheikh Mohamed affirmed that Qatar is continuing its efforts to revive and implement the pause, release hostages and prisoners, and exchange prisoners, endeavours that were ongoing over the past week.He expressed regret that these efforts face challenges that led to the cessation of the pause.Sheikh Mohamed highlighted the continued efforts and co-ordination with partners in Egypt and the US as complementary to all diplomatic efforts that mainly aspire to bring the war to an end.Prioritising the humanitarian pause and the release of prisoners and hostages, HE the Prime Minister hailed the importance of sustaining the cessation of war in order to reach a political solution.On about the circumstances the region is going through, he said that the summit gained further importance as it coincided with a pivotal regional stage, especially with regard to the recent aggression on the Gaza Strip, giving an opportunity for leaders to discuss and exchange viewpoints on enhancing co-operation and integration in work at all levels.HE Sheikh Mohamed added that the GCC leaders stressed during their summit the need for continued co-ordination between the relevant authorities in the member states, whether at the political, security and military levels, and affirmed the importance of supporting and strengthening the work of the ministerial committee assigned by the extraordinary Riyadh-hosted joint Arab-Islamic summit.HE the Prime Minister added that the summit also dealt with topics in the interest of joint Gulf action, especially co-operation and achieving economic integration and the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in this regard.GCC Secretary-General al-Budaiwi appreciated the efforts by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Qatar government and people to host this summit.He expressed his sincere thanks to Oman for its efforts during its presidency of the last session,.Al-Budaiwi also expressed the appreciation of the GCC countries for the participation of the Turkish president in the summit, pointing to the close relations between the GCC countries and Turkiye.He highlighted the summit's three basic achievements:

• Affirming the GCC countries' clear position on what is happening in the Gaza Strip
• Emphasising the GCC countries' prestigious position and great credibility, both regionally and internationally, thanks to their great efforts, the most prominent of which was Qatar's endeavours to help the Palestinian people in Gaza
• Discussing and approving many decisions and recommendations towards joint Gulf action at all levels, the most important of which are those aimed at achieving economic integration in the GCC countries.

Commenting on the plan drawn up to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, al-Budaiwi said that there is a GCC General Secretariat committee to co-ordinate aid.