Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, affirmed the support of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries for Syria at all levels, most notably improving the living and humanitarian conditions of the Syrian people, and providing relief and development support to Syria to meet the basic needs of the Syrian people, and facilitating the return of displaced persons and refugees to their homes. Supporting the return of political and security stability, economic recovery, and development, and setting the necessary steps to achieve this and to mobilize humanitarian and development support for Syria.
This came in a speech during his participation in the expanded ministerial meeting on Syria, which was held today in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In his speech, Al-Budaiwi touched on the developments witnessed by Syria, and the firm positions of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their continued keenness to guarantee Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence. The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council held its extraordinary session on December 26, 2024, in the State of Kuwait, to discuss developments in the situation in Syria.
The Secretary-General stressed that the time has come for Syria and the Syrian people to enjoy the long-awaited security and stability, and for Syria to return to its natural position at the heart of the regional and international communities.
He said: “At this critical stage, we, Syria’s partners, must be its support, supporting its renaissance and restoring its position, by strengthening cooperation at all levels, political, economic, and social, in a way that contributes to building a better future for the Syrian people and for the entire region.” .
Regarding Lebanon, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council stressed the Cooperation Council’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, and for comprehensive reforms that promote overcoming its crises and prevent Lebanon from turning into a starting point for activities threatening the region.
He also called for the necessity of adhering to Security Council resolutions and the Taif Agreement to ensure Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty, condemning at the same time the Israeli entity’s continued attacks on Lebanese territory, and their humanitarian effects.
He stressed the importance of supporting the Lebanese army and security forces, calling on the international community to intensify international efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Lebanon, noting the role of Lebanon’s partners and the assistance provided by the GCC countries and other countries to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese people.