HE GCCSG: GCC States Give Top Importance to Cooperation with the Russian Federation in Light of Our Historic and Significant Strategic Relations

His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the GCC member states give top importance to cooperation with the Russian Federation, considering the historic and strategic ties that bind us, and we are working to accelerate the implementation of the Joint Action Plan (2023-2027) that was agreed upon in the previous ministerial meeting held in Moscow in July 2023.

This statement was made during the seventh joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation on Monday (September 9, 2024), chaired by His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar and current President of the Ministerial Council, with the participation of Their Highnesses and Excellencies, the foreign ministers of the GCC member states, and in the presence of His Excellency Mr Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation.

During the meeting, HE the Secretary General emphasised that the seventh joint ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation is taking place as part of the strategic dialogue established under the Memorandum of Understanding signed in Abu Dhabi in November 2011. This meeting is a continuation of the considerable efforts made by both sides to strengthen friendly relations that fulfill their aspirations, particularly given that this dialogue serves as a permanent platform for discussion at the ministerial level, as it facilitates the exchange of views on key issues of mutual concern, including threats to regional and global security, as well as exploring ways to enhance cooperation in various fields to serve common interests.

His Excellency also stated that many conflicts and crises plague our world today, seriously affecting its security and stability, reiterating that the GCC member states are making every possible effort to contribute to resolving disputes and settling conflicts through dialogue, negotiations and peaceful diplomatic means. He further stressed the importance of prioritising wisdom and dialogue, and respecting the rule of law in accordance with international norms, values, agreements and treaties that ensure the preservation of security and stability worldwide, which in turn allows all countries to prosper and their peoples to thrive.

Furthermore, HE the Secretary General pointed out that the ongoing Israeli violations against Palestinian civilians and the crimes committed by Israeli forces contradict all human values and conflict with various charters, including international law, humanitarian law, and relevant UN resolutions, mentioning that  this unfortunate reality highlights the failure of the international community to find a comprehensive and permanent solution to this tragic issue up to this moment, as the international community has condemned the continued Israeli aggression against Gaza.

He reaffirmed the GCC’s solidarity with the Palestinian people, demanding an immediate and permanent ceasefire and an end to military operations carried out by the Israeli occupation, and stressing the importance of ensuring access for all humanitarian and relief aid and essential needs for the residents of Gaza, alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.

HE Mr Albudaiwi urged the international community to take urgent and serious and decisive actions to protect civilians in Gaza and to support Palestine’s efforts to secure recognition from more countries, as well as to assist Palestine in obtaining full membership in the United Nations and convening an international conference to achieve a comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution.

Regarding the situation in Yemen, HE the Secretary General commended the sincere efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman, and the ongoing communications with all Yemeni parties to revive the political process, which would lead to a comprehensive and sustainable political solution in Yemen. He affirmed the importance of the Houthis engaging positively with the United Nations’ efforts to end the Yemeni crisis and seriously considering peace initiatives to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people.

In this context, His Excellency stated that developments in the Red Sea affect the security of international navigation and negatively impact global trade operations, as it has become necessary and urgent to de-escalate tensions to maintain security and stability in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, and to respect the right to freedom of navigation therein, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, in order to protect the interests of the entire world.

In conclusion, HE the Secretary General reiterated the GCC’s support for the mediation efforts carried out by the member states regarding the situation in Ukraine, stating that the GCC renews its support for resolving the crisis between Russia and Ukraine through a ceasefire, a political solution, emphasising dialogue and settling the existing dispute through negotiations to achieve a sustainable political solution to the crisis and mitigate its impacts and repercussions. HE also said that the GCC supports all efforts aimed at facilitating the export of grains and all food and humanitarian supplies to contribute to food security for affected countries.