Riyadh, Apr. 7 (BNA): Political Affairs Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, participated in the 151st session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which was held at the headquarters of the General Secretariat here.
The meeting was chaired by the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Highness Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud, the Chairman of the current session.
GCC countries’ Ministers of Foreign Affairs and GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf, also attended the session.
During the meeting, Dr. Shaikh Abdullah affirmed the keenness of the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to enhance GCC strategic cooperation and integration, adhere to the contents of the Al-Ula Declaration, and implement the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques by completing the elements of economic unity, the defence and security systems, and the coordination of political positions in a way that enhances the solidarity of the GCC countries and meets their aspirations for security, stability, unity and prosperity.
He expressed Bahrain's appreciation for the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its presidency of the current session of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and its pioneering initiatives in promoting joint GCC action, preserving the unity and cohesion of the GCC bloc, and maintaining its security and stability, stressing that it stands by the Arab and Islamic world as one side in the measures it takes to protect its security, stability and defense of Arab national security in the face of terrorism and foreign interference.
The Foreign Ministers of the GCC countries discussed the recommendations submitted by the relevant ministerial committees and the General Secretariat, and the implemented resolutions of the Supreme Council at its 42nd session in Riyadh regarding strengthening GCC integration, and following up on developments in dialogues and strategic relations with countries and international blocs, and a statement political positions on regional and international issues.
In a press statement, the Ministerial Council welcomed the success of the Yemeni-Yemeni consultations held under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council from March 29 to April 7, in which the brothers in the Republic of Yemen agreed to draw a road map for transitioning Yemen from a state of war and disintegration to a state of peace and security, reconciliation between its sons, and brotherhood with its Gulf and Arab surroundings, in a way that enables Yemen to restore security, peace and stability, and enables its honorable people to restore their normal life and meet all their aspirations. The Council welcomed the decision of the President of the Republic of Yemen, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, regarding the formation of the Presidential Leadership Council to administer the state politically, militarily and security during the transitional period, and to complete the implementation of the tasks of the transitional phase, and to delegate it with the full powers of the President of the Republic.
The Council expressed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council and its supporting entities to enable it to exercise its duties in implementing effective policies and initiatives that would achieve security and stability in Yemen. It called on the Leadership Council to start negotiations with the Houthis under the supervision of the United Nations to reach a final and comprehensive political solution, in accordance with the terms of reference represented in the GCC initiative and its executive mechanism, and the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and Security Council Resolution 2216, in a manner that preserves Yemen’s unity and integrity, respects its sovereignty and independence and rejects any interference in its internal affairs. It renews its support for the efforts of the United Nations, led by its Special Envoy to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, who briefed the council at this session on the latest developments on the Yemeni arena and the efforts of the US Special Envoy to Yemen, Tim Lenderking, to reach a political solution in accordance with those references. The Council commended the announcement of the provision of (2) billion dollars equally between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, in support of the Central Bank of Yemen, and the provision of (1) billion dollars from the Kingdom, including 600 million dollars for the Support Fund for the Purchase of Oil Derivatives, and 400 million dollars for development projects and initiatives, in addition to provide $300 million to finance the humanitarian response plan announced by the United Nations for the year 2022 to improve the living and service conditions of citizens, stressing the importance of holding an international conference to mobilize the financial resources necessary to support the Yemeni economy and the Central Bank of Yemen.
In its press statement, the Ministerial Council affirmed the keenness of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to activate economic, security and military integration projects, Emphasizing its firm positions regarding support for the right of the United Arab Emirates to sovereignty over its three islands occupied by Iran, support for the Palestinian cause, and keenness to restore security and stability in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan and Afghanistan, and to reach a political solution to end the Yemeni crisis, calling on Iran to abide by international conventions and the principles of good neighbourliness, the need for international cooperation in rejecting violence, extremism and terrorism, settling international disputes, including the Ukrainian crisis, through dialogue and diplomatic means, and joint action to enhance regional and international security, peace and stability .
Source: Bahrain News Agency