GCC-US Ministerial Meeting Addresses Strategic Partnership And Key Regional Challenges

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States held a ministerial meeting in New York, co-chaired by US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The meeting included foreign ministers from GCC member states and Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. They focused on enhancing their strategic partnership, building on past achievements, and strengthening cooperation across various fields.

The ministers expressed their support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, based on the 1967 borders with agreed land swaps. They highlighted the importance of a durable peace for regional stability and prosperity. The ministers also emphasized the need to strengthen the Palestinian Authority's capacity and advocated for unified governance in Gaza and the West Bank.

Concerns about Iran's regional activities were discussed, with emphasis on compliance with international law and respect for sovereignty. The proliferation of advanced ballistic missiles and UAVs was noted as a threat to regional security. The GCC and the US reaffirmed their commitment to addressing these issues while promoting diplomatic efforts for de-escalation.

The ministers reiterated their commitment to maritime security, emphasizing freedom of navigation in regional waterways. They condemned illegal actions by Houthis that threaten seafarers' safety and shipping lanes. Support was expressed for resolving tensions through peaceful means, including UAE's call for negotiations over disputed islands with Iran.

Deep concern was voiced over Yemen's humanitarian situation, urging Houthis to allow safe access to aid. Houthi attacks harming Yemeni civilians were condemned, with calls for releasing detained UN, NGO, and diplomatic staff. The ministers stressed maritime security's importance and urged collective action to ensure navigation freedom in the Red Sea.

The ministers commended Saudi Arabia and Oman for encouraging inclusive Yemeni dialogue within the GCC Initiative framework. They supported efforts to resolve Yemen's conflict through peace processes aligned with UNSCR 2216 and National Dialogue outcomes.

Gaza Ceasefire Efforts

The ministers committed to working towards an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, consistent with President Biden's parameters and UNSCR 2735. Mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the US were praised. They emphasized adherence to international law, including humanitarian law, while urging increased delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.

They called for reopening the Rafah Border Crossing between Egypt and Israel to facilitate aid into Gaza. Collaboration on governance, security, and early recovery efforts was pledged to alleviate suffering in the region.

Kuwait-Iraq Relations

The ministers recalled Iraq's commitment to Kuwait's sovereignty as per UNSCR 833 regarding boundary demarcation. They urged Iraq to ensure adherence to international conventions governing maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah. Support was expressed for UNSCR 2732 (2024), facilitating progress on outstanding issues between Iraq and Kuwait.

The UN's ongoing role in implementing UNSCR 1284 was acknowledged, urging Iraq to resolve related issues maximally.

GCC-US Strategic Partnership

The GCC-US Strategic Partnership aims at regional security, stability, and prosperity through defense cooperation. Progress made by Integrated Air and Missile Defense Working Groups was commended. The importance of educational services for those affected by conflicts was highlighted alongside condemnation of violence fueled by hate speech or religious intolerance.

Efforts towards inclusion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence were emphasized within international relations frameworks like Bahrain Declaration. The Security Council's recognition that intolerance can exacerbate conflicts was noted.

With inputs from SPA