KUWAIT - Arab Gulf leaders, in a final communique of the 45th GCC Summit, held in Kuwait Sunday, called for bolstering cooperation amongst Council members on all possible domains as well as
addressing numerous challenges facing the region.
The final communique, issued by the Supreme council of the GCC, expressed deep sorrow over the pass away of the late Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, saying that the deceased Gulf leader left a
legacy of achievements and accomplishments that would be remembered for years to come by the Gulf, Arab, and Muslim nations.
The council congratulated His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on gaining trust of the Kuwaiti people, touting his leadership of the State of Kuwait in addition to contributions to the GCC.
The council expressed gratitude to the Amir of Qatari Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for chairing the previous 44th summit in Doha, commending the numerous important accomplishments that came out of the
summit.
It congratulated Saudi Arabia on the successful Hajj Season and stressed that the Kingdom, leadership and people, had done their utmost to serve the pilgrims from all around the globe.
The council lauded the outcome of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic summit hosted by Saudi Arabia, which focused on the Palestinian cause and unconditional support to the Palestinian people for a sovereign independent state.
The council touched on the Bahraini initiative to host the intra-Islamic dialogue conference in February of 2025, deeming the event an excellent platform to promote dialogue, understanding, and unity among Muslim
nations.
In the final communique, the council congratulated Bahrain on successfully hosting the 33rd Arab Summit on May 16, 2024, commending the excellent preparation and results of the grand Arab event.
The Council also commended Bahrain on the success of the ISF World School Summer Games.
On Qatar hosting of the 2024 the Web Summit, the final communique of the council lauded the Gulf country for organizing the event, which resulted in a pledge of USD one billion to support emerging companies in
Qatar and the region, part of the Qatari 2030 Vision for development.
The council lauded the Kuwait-hosted fourth senior-level conference on bolstering global cooperation in fighting terrorism and building flexible mechanisms for border security -the Kuwait phase of the Dushanbe
process on November 4-5, 2024, which supports the UN global agreement on coordinating efforts against terrorism.
The council welcomed the success of the World Governments Summit in Dubai, touting the important items to government work, Development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) quantum computing, and inter-government work
cooperation.
The council commended the results of the Summit for the Future, which was held in New York on September 22, which approved the Pact for the Future. The document sets course for security, sustainable development,
Artificial Intelligence (AI) as well as finding solutions to ailing problems such climate change and the digital gap.
The council reflected on the success of the global Logistics Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on October 12-14, 2024, which hopefully assist in developing global logistic work and operations to achieve global sustainability.
The council valued the UAE and the World Health Organization (WHO) collaboration to establish a global center for logistic emergencies and also the signing of an agreement worth USD three million between the two sides to support Sudanese refugees in Chad.
The supreme council expressed appreciation toward Qatar's award for combating corruption and the Qatari vision to create a world rid of corruption as part of the international efforts within this task. The award,
established in 2016, had become an international platform to celebrating organizations, institutes and individuals who contribution to anti-corruption and good governance.
The council lauded the Third Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) summit in Doha, which highlighted "Sports Diplomacy" as a tool to bring the globe together in harmony as observed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosted
by Qatar.
The Supreme Council commended efforts within Cyber Security amongst GCC countries, especially the one led by Saud Arabia within the 2024-28 strategy, which launched its unified platform in this regard.
The Supreme Council congratulated US President-elected Donald Trump on winning the election in November, hoping that the US-GCC ties would go forward during his Presidency.
Meanwhile, the council reviewed the GCC Secretariat's report on achieving the vision of Saudi Arabia King Salman bin Abdulaziz's vision approved in the 36th GCC Summit in 2015, affirming that the council worked
effortlessly to bolster economic unity, defense, and security amongst GCC member states to safeguard Gulf interest and bolstering strategic cooperation and coordination regionally and internationally.
The council called on all GCC entities to implement the vision of the Saudi King according to the agreed upon schedule to push forward for overall development, tasking in the process, the GCC Secretariat to work on a
report to be forwarded to the council.
On joint GCC cooperation, the Supreme Council viewed efforts, based on the 2015 Saudi initiatives, to transition from the phase of cooperation to unification, tasking the Secretariat to look further into the matter
and take the necessary decisions.
The Supreme Council stressed the importance of unifying stances of the GCC members against all challenges via boost cooperation and fending of threats.
The council expressed satisfaction towards what was reached in the 18th regular meeting of heads of parliaments and national councils of the GCC, which held in November of 12, 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
The council was informed on the accomplishment reports of the GCC health cities, the report on implementing international health regulations in the region concerning GCC health emergencies, and the secretariat report
on laborers health check.
The Supreme Council approved the unified guidelines to empower individuals with special needs in the GCC in addition to amendments on the unified system for insurance for Gulf citizens.
The Supreme Council expressed appreciation of member states' efforts in anti-corruption, improving transparency via implementing governance on state-owned companies, in addition to providing media and
awareness content of GCC anticorruption organizations.
The council also approved the political legislative document of the GCC.
The council called for intensifying efforts in energy transformation and climate change, bolstering efforts in this regard under the umbrella of the green Middle East initiative.
The council affirmed that it adopted the main pillars for social, economic, and environmental transformations through implementing accords such as the UAE COP28 agreement, which came out of the conference held in
Dubai in 2023 as well as the agreements which came out of the COP29, which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Supreme Council stressed the importance of stabilizing global energy economy, taking balanced policies that would not eliminate energy sources via innovation reducing emissions and leading to sustainable
economic growth for all.
The council also lauded the member states' efforts in lower pollution, recycling, and reusing material, matters included in the Saudi green initiative, the Middle East green initiative, and national projects of each GCC
country. The Supreme council welcomed the first Global Food Security Summit 2024, which was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 26-27, an event that saw international participation of world leaders and organizations.
The Supreme Council also lauded the UAE initiatives to face water and food scarcity on a global scale that offered life to millions from around the globe.
The council commended the UAE for its agriculture national initiative, which helped in supporting agriculture and food sustainability. The UAE, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, had offered USD 200 million to
push for agricultural innovation globally, a matter appreciated by the council.
The Supreme Council welcomed the UAE's hosting of the UN conference for water in 2026, reflecting a strong commitment to future generations and international cooperation.
The council lauded International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, an event, which drew the participation of 77 countries and the visiting of millions from across the globe.
The council approved the 21st joint defense council's proposals for military integration amongst GCC countries, commending security and defense training in 2024.
The council approved decisions by the 41st meeting of the Interior Ministers held in Doha on November 20, 2024, welcoming a proposal on anti-money laundering for 2025 in addition to initiatives and projects
concerning digital transformation of joint security services.
The council welcomed the efforts by the Interior Ministers committee in regards to the unified tourism visa and the project to develop traffic laws, tasking ministers to implement issues pertaining such affairs.
The council approved the GCC anti-narcotics strategy 2025-28 and formed a joint committee for such task.
The Supreme Council renewed commitment for a stable and secure region to reinforce cooperation and ties amongst Gulf citizens and achieve sustainable development.
The council affirmed its respect of sovereignty of each member country based on international laws and norms, expressing refusal to all external threats against GCC countries and reinforce notions of joint defense.
On the situation in the Gaza Strip, the council condemned the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the targeting of innocent civilians forced to be displaced and even killed if refusing to move.
The Supreme Council called for an immediate ceasefire and the uninterrupted entry of humanitarian relief aid to the war torn Palestinian region.
The council affirmed that the Israeli occupation must take full responsibility for the killing of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip, namely women, children, and elderly, which were all crimes against
humanity.
The GCC Supreme Council expressed absolute rejection to any justifications or excuses to describe the Israeli occupation aggression on Gaza as "the right to defend itself," and urged the international community to
take the necessary measures within the international law in response to the practices of the Israeli occupation's government and the collective punishment policy being implemented against Palestinians in
Gaza.
The GCC Supreme Council strongly condemned the heinous and shocking crimes committed by the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip, under the context of genocide and ethnic cleansing, including killing, torturing,
executing and displacing civilians, expressing its support to Palestinians and warned of displacing them, calling for protecting them.
They demanded the UNSC to form an independent international committee to investigate these crimes and take serious steps to prevent further crimes and hold those responsible accountable as well as providing the
Palestinian with an international protection.
The GCC Supreme Council condemned the Israeli occupation's continuous destruction and storming of facilities throughout Gaza, in a blatant violation of the International Humanitarian Law.
The GCC Supreme Council condemned the Israeli occupation's continuous targeting of humanitarian and UN organizations in the Gaza Strip, and the continuous attacks of settlers on the humanitarian aid convoys,
urging the Israeli occupation's forces to protect these convoys under the pretext of international law and let them be delivered to Gaza.
The GCC Supreme Council welcomed the results of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 11 Nov 2024, to unify efforts and work on an end to the war on Gaza.
The GCC Supreme Council praised the efforts made by Qatar in mediating a ceasefire and facilitating the delivery of aid to the besieged Strip.
The GCC Supreme Council called on implementing resolutions 2735, 2712, and 2720 regarding a ceasefire in Gaza, the release and exchange hostages, return of civilians to their homes, actively and safely distributing
the humanitarian aid in a wider range, and the withdraw of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
The GCC Supreme Council affirmed the importance of preparing a comprehensive plan to bring back Palestinian Authority to Gaza Strip and reject any measure to separate it from the West Bank, noting that any
suggestion about the Strip's future should be under the context of a unified Palestinian State, as well as going forward with implementing the two-state solution.
The council called for intensifying efforts in energy transformation and climate change, bolstering efforts in this regard under the umbrella of the green Middle East initiative.
The council affirmed that it adopted the main pillars for social, economic, and environmental transformations through implementing accords such as the UAE COP28 agreement, which came out of the conference held in
Dubai in 2023 as well as the agreements which came out of the COP29, which was held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
The Supreme Council stressed the importance of stabilizing global energy economy, taking balanced policies that would not eliminate energy sources via innovation reducing emissions and leading to sustainable
economic growth for all.
The council also lauded the member states' efforts in lower pollution, recycling, and reusing material, matters included in the Saudi green initiative, the Middle East green initiative, and national projects of each GCC
country.
The Supreme council welcomed the first Global Food Security Summit 2024, which was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on November 26-27, an event that saw international participation of world leaders and organizations.
The Supreme Council also lauded the UAE initiatives to face water and food scarcity on a global scale that offered life to millions from around the globe.
The council commended the UAE for its agriculture national initiative, which helped in supporting agriculture and food sustainability. The UAE, in partnership with the Gates Foundation, had offered USD 200 million to
push for agricultural innovation globally, a matter appreciated by the council.
The Supreme Council welcomed the UAE's hosting of the UN conference for water in 2026, reflecting a strong commitment to future generations and international cooperation.
The council lauded International Horticultural Expo 2023 Doha, Qatar, an event, which drew the participation of 77 countries and the visiting of millions from across the globe.
The council approved the 21st joint defense council's proposals for military integration amongst GCC
countries, commending security and defense training in 2024.
The supreme council approved proposals by the joint defense council to assign Major General Abdulaziz bin
Ahmad Al-Balawi as commander of the unified GCC command.
The council approved decisions by the 41st meeting of the Interior Ministers held in Doha on November 20,
2024, welcoming a proposal on anti-money laundering for 2025 in addition to initiatives and projects
concerning digital transformation of joint security services.
The council approved the GCC anti-narcotics strategy 2025-28 and formed a joint committee for such task.
The Supreme Council renewed commitment for a stable and secure region to reinforce cooperation and ties amongst Gulf citizens and achieve sustainable development.
The Supreme Council stressed the importance of the initiatives announced by King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain at the 33rd Arab Summit held in Bahrain, calling for an international peace conference to establish
a secure, independent, and sovereign Palestinian state, and Palestine's full membership in the United Nations.
The Council emphasised the importance of Iran adhering to international principles, including good
neighborliness, respecting sovereignty, refraining from interference, and resolving disputes peacefully.
It congratulated Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on his election as President of Iran, wishing him and the Iranian people success and progress.
The Council expressed concern over escalating military tensions in the region, including missile strikes on Iran on October 26, 2024, urging de-escalation to preserve regional stability.
It stressed the urgency of constructive agreements on Iran's nuclear program to ensure regional security and called for comprehensive negotiations addressing concerns such as ballistic missiles, drones, and maritime
safety.
The Council urged Iran to adhere to uranium enrichment limits for peaceful purposes and fulfill its commitments to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
It highlighted the need to ensure maritime security and protect international trade routes from threats to regional stability.
On Yemen, the Council reaffirmed full support for Yemen's Presidential Leadership Council, led by Rashad AlAlimi, and its efforts to achieve stability and a comprehensive political resolution in line with the Gulf Initiative,
National Dialogue Conference outcomes, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216.
The Supreme Council welcomed the continued sincere efforts by Saudi Arabia and Oman, as well as the ongoing communications with all Yemeni parties, to revive the political process. These efforts aim to achieve a
comprehensive and sustainable political solution in Yemen.
The Council emphasised the importance of the Houthis positively engaging with international and UN-led efforts to resolve the Yemeni crisis and seriously considering peace initiatives and efforts to alleviate the
suffering of the Yemeni people.
The Council renewed its support for the efforts of the United Nations and its Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, to reach a comprehensive political solution in accordance with the three references. It also
praised the Yemeni government's commitment to renewing the humanitarian truce announced by the United Nations in Yemen.
The Supreme Council reaffirmed its support for UN Security Council Resolution 2732 (2024) and underscored the importance of continued UN monitoring of issues related to Kuwaiti prisoners, missing persons, and
property, including the national archive. It advocated appointing a high-level coordinator by the UN Secretary General to follow up on these matters, urging Iraq's cooperation to achieve a resolution.
On Syria, the Supreme Council reaffirmed its steadfast stance on preserving Syria's territorial integrity,
independence, and sovereignty, rejecting regional interference in its internal affairs.
It supported UN efforts to achieve a political solution in Syria consistent with UNSC Resolution 2254 and
backed the safe and voluntary return of Syrian refugees and displaced persons in line with international
standards. The Council opposed attempts to alter Syria's demographic composition.
On Lebanon, the Supreme Council welcomed the 60-day ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, expressing hope it would lead to an end to the conflict, Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territories, implementation of UNSC
Resolution 1701, and the return of displaced people.
The Council condemned Israeli attacks causing civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, as well as
assaults on UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The Supreme Council reaffirmed its consistent support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, emphasising the importance of structural political and economic reforms to address Lebanon's crises and
prevent it from becoming a hub for terrorism or illicit activities threatening regional security.
The Supreme Council stressed the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 to restore lasting peace in Lebanon, ensure respect for its territorial integrity, and reaffirm the government's control over all Lebanese territories.
The Supreme Council supported the efforts of the Quintet Group to expedite presidential elections and implement necessary economic reforms, lauding Lebanon's international allies for fostering trust and
cooperation with GCC nations.
The Supreme Council welcomed the outcomes of the international conference held in Paris, France, on
October 24, 2024, which aimed to assist Lebanon in addressing its crisis and mitigating its humanitarian
repercussions.
The Council acknowledged humanitarian aid provided by GCC nations and other countries to meet Lebanon's
urgent needs.
On Sudan, the Supreme Council emphasised the importance of preserving Sudan's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity while supporting Sudan in addressing the current crisis. It called for de-escalation, dialogue, unity, and a return to a civilian-led political process to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
The Supreme Council urged all parties in Sudan to adhere to the agreements signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
(May 2023) regarding civilian protection and ceasefire arrangements, ensuring compliance with international
humanitarian law.
The Council also emphasised Security Council Resolution 2748 of August 15, 2024, which called for full respect for Somalia's sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity, while highlighting the
need for a comprehensive approach to peace and stability aligned with the priorities set by the Somali government.
The Council condemned all terrorist acts targeting the Federal Republic of Somalia and affirmed the Cooperation Council's solidarity with the Somali people in combating terrorism and violence.
On the Russia-Ukraine Crisis, the Supreme Council stated that the GCC's stance on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is based on principles of international law and the United Nations Charter, emphasizing respect for state
sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prohibition of the use or threat of force.
The Council expressed its support for mediation efforts and initiatives undertaken by GCC states to contribute to a political resolution of the crisis.
It also endorsed international and regional efforts to resolve the conflict, including meetings of national security advisors held in Jeddah, Copenhagen, and Doha.
The Council praised the successful mediation efforts by the UAE, which facilitated a prisoner exchange involving 1,994 prisoners from both sides.
It also lauded Saudi Arabia's efforts in securing the release of detainees and prisoner exchanges between
Russia and Ukraine, as well as Qatar's success in reuniting Ukrainian and Russian children with their families.
The Council acknowledged the humanitarian commitment of GCC states and their role in fostering peace and
stability.
The Council highlighted the humanitarian and relief aid provided by GCC countries to Ukraine and stressed the importance of continuing to support efforts to facilitate the export of grains and other food and
humanitarian supplies to enhance food security for affected nations.
The GCC, on enhancing strategic partnerships with other countries and groups, commended the outcomes of the first joint summit between the Cooperation Council and the European Union held on October 16, 2024, in
Brussels, Belgium.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Council decided to renew the mandate of Jassem Al-Budaiwi as Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council for an additional three-year term starting February 1, 2026, in recognition of
his significant contributions and effective efforts in advancing the Council's objectives.
The Council expressed its welcome for the United Arab Emirates to assume the presidency of its 46th session and looked forward to holding the 46th summit in Abu Dhabi.
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