KUWAIT CITY, Dec 1: The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassim Al-Budaiwi, emphasized the critical need for the international community to take decisive action, fulfill its humanitarian and legal obligations, and work towards an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza to alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians.

During his speech on Sunday, Al-Budaiwi acknowledged the current regional instability and escalating events that highlight the necessity of reinforcing solidarity and strengthening the bonds of cohesion between GCC nations. "We are meeting today in this session amid sensitive regional conditions and accelerating events, which call for strengthening solidarity and consolidating the bonds of unity between our countries, and for serious, continuous efforts to consolidate the foundations upon which our lofty system was built," he said, noting that these foundational values have made the GCC a model of unity and integration.

Al-Budaiwi went on to highlight the ongoing crisis faced by the Palestinian people in Gaza and the West Bank, exacerbated by the Israeli occupation forces' actions. This conflict has spilled over into Lebanon, creating a dangerous military escalation and worsening tensions in the region. "We cannot ignore this horrific crisis," he said.

He praised the steadfast positions of GCC countries in supporting the Palestinian cause, which he said reflects both Arab and Islamic solidarity and a moral commitment to aiding this brotherly people. Al-Budaiwi expressed his deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's role in hosting two extraordinary Arab and Islamic summits, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. He also lauded the launch of the "International Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution," aiming to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative.

The GCC Secretary-General also acknowledged Qatar's prominent role in regional and international mediation efforts, commending its determination and tireless work for peace and conflict resolution. He further highlighted Bahrain's initiative, which was approved at the 33rd Arab Summit in Manama, calling for an international peace conference to support Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent state based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Al-Budaiwi also praised the efforts of the UAE, Oman, and Kuwait in supporting Palestine at both political and humanitarian levels. He emphasized that the GCC, through its wise policies and balanced approaches, has become a beacon for regional and international strategic partnerships. He cited the success of the first historic GCC-European summit in Brussels in October 2024, which was instrumental in consolidating cooperation with Europe.

In 2024, the GCC continued to enhance its strategic partnerships globally, holding numerous joint ministerial meetings with both regional and international partners. Al-Budaiwi also highlighted significant achievements in the area of free trade agreements, including the initialing of agreements with Pakistan and South Korea in 2023, and the completion of negotiations for a free trade agreement with New Zealand.

The GCC's commitment to strengthening military cooperation was underscored by the implementation of joint military exercises, with plans for the joint Peninsula Shield exercise in the UAE in 2026. Additionally, the GCC adopted a unified Gulf strategy for combating drugs and made progress in implementing traffic violation systems, combating money laundering, and updating strategies to address extremism and terrorism.

In the economic and developmental sectors, the GCC formed high-level committees focused on sovereign funds, investments, and financial investigations. Furthermore, it adopted numerous initiatives related to human and environmental affairs, including education, health, and social services. Support for the Gulf Electricity Interconnection Project led to significant savings in member states, with a total of $257.81 million in 2023. Legal advancements included the adoption of 23 guiding systems.

Al-Budaiwi concluded by extending deep appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, for graciously hosting the session and presiding over it with wisdom and leadership. He also expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, for his insightful leadership during the 44th session of the GCC Supreme Council. Finally, Al-Budaiwi conveyed his thanks to the GCC leaders for their tireless efforts to strengthen joint Gulf action, fostering unity and solidarity among the member states and deepening the bonds of brotherhood and mutual support between their peoples.