Latest news with #GCCMinisterialCouncil
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Single GCC Tourist Visa by the End of This Year
KUWAIT CITY, Jun 3: The longstanding Iraq-Kuwait border dispute returned to the spotlight during a meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, as the Council reiterated calls for Iraq to resolve key pending issues and respect international agreements. GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi expressed optimism that a unified Gulf visa system could be finalized before the end of the year. However, much of the diplomatic focus centered on Iraq, with Kuwait's Foreign Minister and current chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council, Abdullah Al-Yahya, calling for tangible progress from Baghdad on the unresolved files of prisoners, missing persons, and seized Kuwaiti property. Speaking to the press following the ministerial session, Al-Yahya underscored the need for continued UN Security Council oversight, including the appointment of a senior coordinator to carry forward efforts following the expiration of the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). 'The Council reaffirmed Iraq's obligation to respect Kuwait's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime borders under international resolutions,' Al-Yahya said. He noted the Council's firm rejection of any violation of Kuwaiti territory, including land, islands, highlands, and maritime areas. He further emphasized Kuwait's commitment to the outcomes of the 47th extraordinary meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, held on May 6, particularly concerning maritime border demarcation beyond Marker 162. Al-Yahya urged Iraq to honor existing agreements on maritime navigation in the strategically vital Khor Abdullah waterway. Kuwaiti-Syrian Relations Also in Focus In a separate diplomatic development, Foreign Minister Al-Yahya confirmed that recent talks between Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara and His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah covered a wide range of bilateral and regional issues. The Amir reaffirmed Kuwait's support for Syria's sovereignty and territorial unity, Al-Yahya noted, adding that President Al-Shara met with members of the Syrian expatriate community and private sector representatives during his visit. Looking ahead, the foreign minister said additional meetings are expected between Syrian and Kuwaiti counterparts, both at the governmental and civil society levels. Regarding the potential reopening of Kuwait's embassy in Damascus, Al-Yahya stated that the process is underway, though the timeline is tied to Kuwait's internal administrative procedures and not related to any political considerations with Syria. He confirmed that the matter is progressing and expected to be finalized soon.
Observer
3 days ago
- Politics
- Observer
GCC Council hails Oman for facilitating US-Iran talks
KUWAIT: The Sultanate of Oman participated in the 164th session of the GCC Ministerial Council in Kuwait, which discussed the latest developments in joint Gulf cooperation across political, economic, security and developmental fields to enhance integration and prosperity in the region. Oman's delegation was headed by Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, while the session was chaired by Abdullah bin Ali al Yahya, Kuwait's Foreign Minister and current President of the Council, in the presence of GCC foreign ministers and the GCC Secretary-General. As for the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the heads of delegations stressed the need to intensify efforts in cooperation with the international community to halt Israeli aggression, protect Palestinian civilians, ensure unimpeded humanitarian aid delivery and facilitate the safe return of displaced people. They underscored their firm stance demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and all occupied Palestinian territories in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions. The Council commended the intensive efforts of Qatar, Egypt and the United States to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Additionally, the Council welcomed the talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, lauding Oman's role in hosting and facilitating these high-level discussions. It expressed support for these diplomatic efforts, emphasising the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes peacefully, and expressed hope that the talks would contribute to regional and international security and stability. As far as Syria is concerned, the Council welcomed the formation of the new Syrian government and viewed positively US President Donald Trump's response to lift sanctions on Syria, as well as the UK's announcement to amend or cancel certain sanctions. The Council stressed the importance of supporting efforts to restore security and stability while preserving Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity. - ONA
Kuwait Times
3 days ago
- Politics
- Kuwait Times
Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement
Kuwait welcomes Syrian President amid renewed engagement KUWAIT: The official visit of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and his accompanying delegation to Kuwait Sunday carries special significance in the context of Kuwaiti-Syrian relations. During the visit, he held official talks with His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, affirming Kuwait's steadfast and supportive stance toward Syria, its people, unity, and full sovereignty over its territory. Formal diplomatic ties between Kuwait and Syria were established on October 24, 1963, with Syria opening its first embassy in Kuwait. This was soon followed by the opening of the Kuwaiti Embassy in Damascus, marking a new phase of constructive cooperation and joint coordination on Arab and international issues. Over six decades, these relations have witnessed fruitful collaboration across various fields. However, between 2012 and 2024, relations were interrupted due to the security situation in Syria. On March 15, 2012, Kuwait announced the closure of its embassy in Damascus, in line with the Gulf Cooperation Council's (GCC) position and due to deteriorating security conditions. Kuwaiti diplomats were instructed to leave Syria, and remaining Kuwaiti citizens were urged to depart swiftly. On December 30 of last year, ties witnessed a significant development with the visit of Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya to Damascus in his capacity as Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council—a step reflecting the GCC's commitment to regional security and stability. Following his meeting with Syria's new head of government, President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, Al-Yahya stated that the visit delivered a message of solidarity from the GCC, affirming its unwavering position on the importance of preserving Syria's unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, and rejecting external interference in its internal affairs. HH the Amir, HH the Crown Prince, and HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah meet Syrian officials during their visit to Kuwait. Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah waves goodbye to Syria's President Ahmed Al-Sharaa. — Photos by Kuwait's Amiri Diwan and SANA / AFP Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah welcomes Ahmed Al-Sharaa at Bayan Palace in Kuwaiti City on June 1, 2025. He also noted that His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah had directed the provision of urgent food and medical aid to the Syrian people in response to the pressing humanitarian situation. That same day, Kuwait launched the first flights of a humanitarian air bridge to support the Syrian people, in line with Kuwait's leading humanitarian role and its commitment to alleviating suffering and expressing solidarity with Syrians. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society, tasked with managing the air bridge, stated that the aid aims to address shortages in supplies and provide basic necessities to help Syrians meet their daily living needs. Over the past decades, leaders and high-level officials from both countries have engaged in reciprocal visits, including delegations of businesspeople and investors, with the goal of strengthening cooperation across sectors, sharing successful experiences, and exchanging expertise to advance development in both nations. Kuwait and Syria are linked by numerous agreements and memoranda of cooperation, particularly in the economic, commercial, scientific, and technical fields. Since 1969, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED) has financed several development projects in Syria, especially in transportation, water, energy, industry, and communications. Syria also contributed to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991 by dispatching troops as part of the international coalition in implementation of United Nations resolutions. Kuwait, in turn, has repeatedly affirmed its support for Syria's efforts to regain its occupied Golan Heights. Kuwait took a clear stance on the Syrian crisis that began in 2011. It called, through the UN Security Council, for an end to war crimes, the facilitation of humanitarian aid delivery, and the lifting of sieges on civilian areas. Kuwait expressed grave concern over the continued use of heavy and internationally banned weapons against innocent civilians. It strongly condemned the forced displacement of the Syrian people and repeated attacks on medical facilities and civilian infrastructure, including airstrikes. Kuwait has stressed the need for international action to end the violence in Syria. Kuwait hosted the first three international donor conferences to support the humanitarian situation in Syria in 2013, 2014, and 2015, raising significant pledges—over 90 percent of which were fulfilled. In February 2016, Kuwait co-chaired the fourth donor conference with the UK, hosted in London, focusing on Syria and support for neighboring countries bearing the burden of the crisis. Kuwait has continued to participate in subsequent donor conferences, most recently the Brussels Conference hosted by the European Union in March this year. The conference was attended by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani and featured high-level international, Arab, and regional participation. Through KFAED, the Kuwait Red Crescent, and various Kuwaiti charities, Kuwait has provided significant humanitarian aid to displaced Syrians inside the country and to refugees in neighboring countries, especially Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey. Over the past five months, Kuwait has reaffirmed through numerous statements by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs its consistent position supporting Syria's unity and full sovereignty. It stressed the importance of international solidarity and stepped-up humanitarian and development efforts to support the Syrian people and ease their suffering. On December 9, 2024, Kuwait condemned the Zionist entity's occupation forces' takeover of the buffer zone on the Syrian border, calling it a blatant violation of international law and UN Security Council resolutions. On May 2, it also condemned an airstrike launched by those forces near the presidential palace in Damascus, again calling it a clear violation of Syrian sovereignty. On May 13, Kuwait welcomed US President Donald Trump's announcement lifting sanctions on Syria. On May 21, Kuwait welcomed the European Union's decision to lift economic sanctions on Syria, describing it as an important step toward rebuilding the country and meeting its people's aspirations for development and prosperity. — KUNA
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
GCC-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue Focuses on Strengthening Cooperation
Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers and their counterparts from Central Asia discussed in Kuwait on Wednesday consolidating cooperation in several fields. The Third Ministerial Meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council-Central Asia Strategic Dialogue focused on enhancing the strong relations between the GCC and Central Asian countries and discussed a joint action plan to advance cooperation in the political, economic, cultural, and tourism sectors. Preparations were also reviewed for the upcoming summit between the GCC and Central Asian countries, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, next month. This summit follows the inaugural one held in Saudi Arabia in 2023. Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah attended the meeting. Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya said the meeting marks a significant milestone in establishing a sustainable partnership based on mutual respect and shared interests. Speaking at a joint press conference with GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi after the meeting, Al-Yahya, current President of the GCC Ministerial Council, highlighted the growing historical, cultural, and human ties between the two regions, and emphasized the shared political will to strengthen strategic cooperation. The meeting focused on several key areas of priority, including enhancing economic and trade cooperation, encouraging investment, and developing sectors such as transport and energy, clean energy transitions, green economies, and modern technologies, Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported. Discussions also focused on food and water security, digital infrastructure, and artificial intelligence, aiming to support stability and sustainable development. On political and security matters, the foreign minister stressed the importance of consultation and coordination on shared challenges, especially in combating terrorism, extremism, and cyber threats, and praised the GCC Secretariat for its role in advancing joint action mechanisms. Regarding regional and international issues, Al-Yahya reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent state based on the 1967 border with East Jerusalem as its capital. On his part, Al-Budaiwi said that both the GCC and Central Asian states are committed to advancing cooperation across various sectors, as outlined in the Joint Action Plan for 2023-27. He stated that the meeting included an exchange of views on regional and global developments, particularly the Israeli occupation's violations against the Palestinian people, and reiterated the GCC's rejection of these violations and called on the international community to act decisively in support of Palestinian rights, including the establishment of a sovereign state.
Times of Oman
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
GCC strongly condemns Israel's attack on Syrian town of Koya
Riyadh: The GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohamed Al-Budaiwi expressed his strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation forces' aggression on the town of Koya, west of Daraa in Syria, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries. In a statement, Al-Budaiwi said that this aggression by the Israeli occupation forces is a continuation of their aggressive approach to destabilizing security and stability in the region. Al-Budaiwi referred to the statement of the GCC Ministerial Council at its 163rd session, which underscored the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, and that Syria's security and stability are a fundamental pillar of regional stability. The GCC Secretary-General stressed the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to halt these repeated Israeli attacks on Syrian territory and called on Israel to withdraw from all occupied Syrian territories.
