Riyadh, September 16 (BNA) His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, chaired the meeting of the 149th session of the Ministerial Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, held in the capital, Riyadh. Prince Saud Al-Faisal Convention Center at the headquarters of the Gulf Cooperation Council in Riyadh, the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, which was held in the presence of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council, with the participation of the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council, His Excellency Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf, he delivered a statement in which he said that the Minister. The council meeting comes amid a disturbing regional situation and troubling political, security, economic and health challenges.
He added that these challenges require member states to continue strengthening cooperation and joint coordination at all levels to confront them and affirm solidarity in maintaining the cohesion of the blessed Gulf system.
He pointed out that the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in their response to the health crisis of the Covid-19 virus, have proven that their leaders, governments and peoples are fully aware of the dangers that threaten human health and safety in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and are aware of their dangerous impact. of this pandemic, so their response has truly lived up to the required level of responsibility.
Dr. Al-Zayani praised the keenness and interest of the Gulf health ministries to continue joint coordination and constructive cooperation in dealing with the repercussions of the Corona virus pandemic.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs explained that the continuation of the joint Gulf action is the key to ensuring the cohesion of the blessed Gulf system, achieving its lofty goals, and implementing the decisions of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states.
He added that concerted efforts to confront regional challenges and crises require further strengthening of cooperation, coordination and joint action to confront challenges and achieve the security, stability and prosperity desired for the peoples of the Council.
His Excellency pointed out that the summit of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, which was held in the Saudi governorate of Al-Ula last January, represented a milestone in the Gulf march, thanks to its constructive decisions that are in the interest of the Gulf Cooperation Council. countries and peoples.
He pointed out that maintaining the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as a solid and stable entity requires the implementation of the recommendations of the esteemed Supreme Council and the commitment of member states to the principles and objectives towards strengthening Gulf interdependence and progress.
Dr. Al-Zayani added that His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Chairman of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council, praised in an important statement the depth of the strong historical relations between the GCC states and citizens, and noted the focus of the Al-Ula Summit on this. Achieving the lofty Gulf goals of consolidating interdependence, coordination, cooperation, integration, unity and cohesion.
His Excellency Dr. Al-Zayani stressed the need to continue joint efforts to complete the requirements of the customs union and the Gulf Common Market and achieve economic unity by 2025. He stressed the importance of completing negotiations with countries and international groups in order to reach free trade. agreements with them.
With regard to Afghanistan, he said that the world is closely watching the developments of this brotherly Muslim country, whose people today need urgent humanitarian assistance to face difficult situations and maintain security, stability and civil peace.
He explained that what is happening in Afghanistan underscores the importance of concerted efforts by all Afghan parties and social components to stabilize the situation at home, protect civilians and achieve Afghans’ aspirations for security, peace and development.
He stressed the need to respect the will of the Afghans and not to interfere in their internal affairs and to ensure that their lands are not used by any terrorist groups for illegal acts, calling for the urgent provision of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.
AOQ