WANA (Feb 16) – Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi met with Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Summit in Muscat.

 

Araghchi highlighted the significance of continued dialogue and cooperation between Iran and the GCC member states, particularly in light of ongoing regional developments. He referred to the first Iran-GCC foreign ministers’ meeting in Doha as a crucial step toward strengthening engagement and understanding between the two sides.

 

The Iranian foreign minister also commended the stance of Arab states, particularly in the Persian Gulf, for their strong condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza to other countries.

 

He further denounced recent remarks by the Israeli Prime Minister, who suggested the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi territory, calling them provocative and unacceptable.

 

Araghchi noted his discussions with the Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab and Islamic foreign ministers regarding coordinated efforts to counter joint U.S.-Israeli plans to erase Palestine. He stressed the need for a unified and resolute voice from the Islamic world in defense of Palestinian rights.

 

For his part, the GCC Secretary-General reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to continued dialogue with Iran in pursuit of mutual interests and shared regional concerns.

 

He also reiterated the GCC’s firm opposition to Israeli attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians and expressed support for their right to self-determination.

 

Additionally, Al-Budaiwi welcomed Iran’s proposal for an emergency meeting of OIC foreign ministers to address the ongoing crisis.

 

During the meeting, both sides also exchanged views on key regional and international issues of mutual concern.