US And GCC States Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthening Strategic Partnership Amid Regional Challenges

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States held a ministerial meeting on September 25, 2024, in New York. Co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, the meeting included GCC foreign ministers and Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing their strategic partnership.

The Ministers emphasised the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel based on the 1967 borders with agreed land swaps. They stressed the need for displaced civilians to return home post-October 7 and highlighted that lasting peace is essential for regional stability and prosperity.

Expressing concern over regional security threats, the Ministers discussed issues like advanced ballistic missiles and UAVs. They reiterated their commitment to addressing Iran's regional activities that threaten sovereignty and support non-state actors destabilising the region. Diplomatic efforts for de-escalation were also supported.

The Ministers underscored the necessity of unified Palestinian governance in Gaza and the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority. They pledged to support Palestinian self-determination aspirations, ensuring Palestinians are central in post-conflict governance in Gaza. Improving Palestinians' quality of life through humanitarian aid was also a priority.

The Ministers called for rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, water, medical care, fuel, and shelter. They emphasised restoring basic services and protecting aid workers. The reopening of the Rafah Border Crossing was deemed crucial for facilitating aid into Gaza.

They expressed deep concern about escalating violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and stressed accountability for perpetrators. Unilateral actions like settlement expansions were discouraged as they hinder peace prospects between Israelis and Palestinians.

Commitment to Maritime Security

The Ministers reaffirmed their dedication to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in regional waterways. They aimed to deter illegal actions by Houthis threatening seafarers' safety, shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations within GCC states.

They commended mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US for a ceasefire and hostage release as per President Biden's parameters on May 31, 2024. The importance of abiding by international law was highlighted.

Yemen Conflict Resolution

The Ministers expressed concern over Yemen's humanitarian situation due to Houthi actions. They demanded safe access for humanitarian aid across Yemen and called for releasing detained UN staff. The full implementation of UNSCR 2722 was stressed to maintain maritime security.

Support was reiterated for UAE's peaceful resolution call regarding Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa islands through negotiations or international courts per international law rules.

Iraq-Kuwait Relations

The Ministers recalled decisions from their September 18, 2023 meeting concerning Iraq's commitment to Kuwait's sovereignty per UNSCR 833 on boundary demarcation. They urged Iraq to ensure adherence to agreements regulating maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah.

They noted UNSCR 2732 (2024) tasks the UN Secretary General with resolving outstanding Iraq-Kuwait issues like repatriation of nationals or remains and returning Kuwaiti property.

Strategic Partnership Enhancement

The Ministers reaffirmed their resolve to enhance regional security under the GCC-U.S. Strategic Partnership framework. Defence cooperation was highlighted along with collective approaches towards regional issues through working groups established earlier this year.

Praising Saudi Arabia’s efforts encouraging Yemeni dialogue while providing economic assistance was acknowledged as part of ongoing peace processes within Yemen’s National Dialogue outcomes framework.

The Ministers condemned violence including religious hate such as Islamophobia or antisemitism while urging respect for human rights globally according to relevant international laws referenced by Security Council Resolution 2686 recognising intolerance can drive conflict escalation.

With inputs from WAM