Manama:The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened its 168th session in Manama, Bahrain, chaired by Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs. The session focused on addressing significant regional developments and concluded with several key points.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the council strongly condemned ongoing attacks by the Houthi militia on Saudi Arabia, including targeting holy sites and civilian areas, which have caused casualties and violated international laws. The GCC reaffirmed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia and emphasized the indivisibility of member states' security, supporting Saudi measures to protect its sovereignty and interests.
The council urged the enforcement of UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen, particularly those mandating an arms embargo on the Houthi militia. It also called for the international community to recognize the Houthis as a terrorist group and halt their access to weapons. Additionally, the council welcomed a UN Security Council statement condemning Houthi attacks and highlighted Bahrain's role in advocating for this stance.
Addressing Iranian attacks on GCC states and Jordan, the council condemned these acts, attributing responsibility to Iran and demanding an immediate cessation. It stressed the importance of securing critical waterways like the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, calling for international cooperation to ensure safe navigation and reject unlawful restrictions.
The council advocated for a diplomatic resolution to regional tensions, supporting mediation efforts and emphasizing that any agreements should involve GCC states and address issues such as Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The GCC highlighted the importance of respecting sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs to maintain regional stability.