His Excellency the GCCSG: The Council’s Countries Support the Peaceful Efforts Aimed at Resolving the Russian-Ukrainian Crisis

His Excellency Mr Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stressed that the GCC countries support the peaceful efforts aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian crisis. He emphasised the importance of resuming the grain export agreement between Russia and Ukraine through the Black Sea, in order to facilitate the export of grains, essential food and humanitarian supplies, contributing to ensuring food security in affected countries.

This statement came during a telephone conversation between His Excellency  Mr. Albudaiwi and His Excellency Mr. Dmitry Koliba, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023.

During the call, updates on the Ukrainian crisis were discussed, and His Excellency the Secretary General of the GCC reiterated the GCC countries’ position, which is based on the statement issued by the Supreme Council of the GCC during its 43rd session in December 2022. The statement specifically addressed the Russian-Ukrainian crisis and emphasised the GCC’s adherence to the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. It underscored the importance of upholding the existing international order, which is founded on respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of nations, and refraining from interfering in their internal affairs or resorting to the use or threat of force.

Meanwhile, the two sides also stressed the importance of moving forward towards drafting a joint action plan, which includes significant issues that serve the interests of both sides.