WANA (Sep 10) – In the 161st session of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held in Riyadh under the chairmanship of Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, key regional issues including Yemen, Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Sudan were addressed. The council also reiterated its contentious claims regarding the three Iranian islands and the Arash gas field.

 

The GCC ministers congratulated Massoud Pezeshkian on his election as President of Iran. They emphasized their commitment to maintaining diplomatic relations with Iran, grounded in the principles of the United Nations Charter, international law, and good neighbourly relations.

 

They reaffirmed the importance of peacefully resolving disputes and respecting Iran’s sovereignty. However, the council repeated its claims that the Iranian islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa belong to the United Arab Emirates. It declared any Iranian activities in these islands as invalid and condemned Iran’s military exercises in the region.

 

The GCC also reiterated its position on the Arash gas field, asserting that it is jointly owned by Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and emphasized that only these two countries have the right to exploit its resources. Iran has rejected these claims, asserting that they constitute an intervention in its internal affairs and have no legal basis.

 

During the session, the GCC furthermore strongly condemned the continued Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip and the targeting of Palestinian civilians.

 

The council expressed support for the Palestinian people and called for a permanent ceasefire, the end of Israeli military operations, and the lifting of the blockade on Gaza.

 

It also stressed the need for humanitarian aid and addressing the basic needs of Gaza’s residents. The statement condemned Israel for human rights violations and supported Egypt against recent Israeli statements.

 

Furthermore, the GCC called on all countries to expedite the recognition of Palestine and work towards ending the occupation, aiming for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

 

The council also praised Saudi Arabia’s and Oman’s efforts in revitalising Yemen’s political process and supported the United Nations’ efforts to find a comprehensive solution. It highlighted the importance of de-escalating tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

 

Regarding Syria, the GCC emphasized the preservation of its territorial integrity and independence, condemned foreign interference, and denounced Israeli attacks on Syria.

 

The GCC condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and stressed the need for the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for respect for Lebanon’s borders and expanding Lebanese government control over its territory.

 

The council also condemned the armed conflict in Sudan and commended the mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia and the United States to achieve a ceasefire agreement.