GCC Secretary General's Visit To Syria Highlights Commitment To Unity And Stability For Syrian People

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the recent visit to Syria underscores the GCC's commitment to supporting Syria's unity and stability. This support aims to bring security, prosperity, and development to its people. Albudaiwi made these remarks during a meeting with Ahmed Al Sharaa, the Commander-in-Chief of the Syrian Administration, in Damascus.

Albudaiwi explained that his visit, alongside Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al Yahya, was a result of agreements from the 46th extraordinary Ministerial Council meeting. The GCC Ministers of Foreign Affairs had recommended engaging with Syrian counterparts to deliver a unified message of support for Syria and its people. This initiative aims to help Syrians achieve their goals for security, stability, development, and prosperity.

The GCC remains committed to supporting Syria politically, economically, developmentally, and humanitarianly. Albudaiwi reiterated the importance of respecting Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity while rejecting foreign interference. He also emphasized combating terrorism and extremism and respecting Syria's religious and cultural diversity.

Albudaiwi expressed hope for a comprehensive transitional process in Syria that aligns with the aspirations of its people for stability and development. He highlighted the significance of national reconciliation, rebuilding the state, ensuring civilian safety, dissolving militias, and confining weapons under state control as crucial steps for maintaining security.

Encouraging national unity and comprehensive dialogue among Syrian parties is vital for achieving security and development without foreign interference. Albudaiwi mentioned that the GCC supports the UN's call for a special mission to aid Syria's political transition according to UN Charter principles. This includes focusing on refugees' care and facilitating their safe return home.

Albudaiwi condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and called for Israeli forces' withdrawal from occupied lands. He stressed that the Golan Heights are Syrian territory and rejected any Israeli settlement expansion there. Additionally, he urged lifting economic sanctions on Syria while providing humanitarian aid to alleviate suffering.

Regional Stability

In his concluding remarks, Albudaiwi emphasized that Syria's security is integral to regional stability. He underscored the need for continued international cooperation to achieve peace and development in Syria. "Syria's security is an integral part of regional stability," he stated.

With inputs from SPA