The GCC Final Communique Renews Support to Qatar in Ensuring World Cup 2022 Success

GCC Supreme Council

The final communique was issued this evening, by the GCC Supreme Council in its forty-second session, which was held with the participation of their Majesties, Highnesses and Excellencies, leaders and heads of delegations of the GCC countries at the Diriyah Palace in Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The final communique reiterated the support of the GCC countries to the State of Qatar in everything that would lead to the success of its hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and praised the success of organizing the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021, which hosted by the State of Qatar during the period from Nov. 30th to Dec.18, and for the outstanding organization and efforts made to make this tournament a success.

The Council also praised the support provided by the State of Qatar, amounting to $90 million, to Yemen through the World Food Program.

In the final communique, the GCC Supreme Council valued raising the level of the presidency of the Qatari-Saudi Coordination Council to the level of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, HRH Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, and the Council welcomed the positive results of the meeting of the Coordination Council on Dec. 8, 2021, to develop joint bilateral cooperation in a way that enhances integration between the two brotherly countries.

The Supreme Council also congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the Kingdoms assumption of the presidency of the forty-second session of the Supreme Council, expressing its appreciation for what was included in the opening speech of HRH Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud keen and interest on activating the process of cooperation between the GCC states in all fields.

The Supreme Council expressed its deep appreciation and gratitude for the great sincere efforts made by HM King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain, during the presidency of the Kingdom of Bahrain for the forty-first session of the Supreme Council, and the important steps and achievements that have been achieved.

The Supreme Council also praised the tour made by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to the GCC countries during the month of December 2021, and welcomed the positive results reached to strengthen cooperation, interdependence and coordination among the GCC countries, achieving the aspirations of its citizens, and confirming the full and accurate implementation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, to achieve the highest levels of integration, ensuring solidarity and cohesion of the GCC states and enhancing their regional and international role.

The Supreme Council affirmed its keenness on the strength and cohesion of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the unity of ranks among its members, and its desire to achieve more coordination, integration and interdependence in all fields, in order to achieve the aspirations of the citizens of the GCC states, stressing that its states stand united in the face of any threat to any of the GCC states, also affirmed full support for the "Green Saudi Initiative" and the "Green Middle East Initiative" launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, praising their efforts and initiatives in confronting the phenomenon of climate change.

The Supreme Council commended the pioneering role played by the United Arab Emirates to confront the phenomenon of climate change, and its efforts in hosting Abu Dhabi COP28 in 2023 to support international efforts in this regard, the Supreme Council also congratulated the UAE on the success of the Expo 2020, stressing at the same time its full support for the request of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the Expo 2030, considering this a consolidation of the position of the GCC countries as an international center for business.

The Council praised the results of the second meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council.

The Council also welcomed the opening of the (725) kilometer Saudi-Omani land road, which will contribute to the smooth movement of citizens of the GCC countries and the integration of supply chains in order to achieve the desired economic integration.

The final communique issued by the Supreme Council GCC, in its forty-second session, indicated that the Council praised the establishment of the Kuwaiti-Saudi Coordination Council.

The Supreme Council also reviewed the report of the General Secretariat on the progress made in implementing the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, in promoting joint Gulf action, approved by the Council at its 36th session in Dec. 2015.

The Supreme Council affirmed the contents of the Al-Ula Declaration, issued on Jan. 5 of 2021. They also affirmed the importance of accurate, complete and continuous implementation of the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the completion of the components of economic unity as well as joint defense and security system.

On joint GCC work, the council said that the council was briefed on deliberations related to developing GCC work from cooperation to union, and directed the continuation of efforts in that regard. They assigned the ministerial council with the task of completing the necessary measures to achieve the transformation.

The Supreme Council also stressed the importance of preserving the councils gains and achievements, and directed the competent agencies in the member states to double efforts to achieve the lofty goals stipulated in the GCCs statute, and to complete the remaining steps for the establishment of the customs union, and create an integrated GCC market.

On regional and international issues, the Supreme Council reiterated the GCC states' commitment to stability and security in the region, as well as the prosperity of its peoples. The council also reiterated its commitment to respecting sovereignty and avoiding the interference in the internal affairs of other countries, in line with international laws and conventions. The council also highlighted the GCC's rejection of any foreign intervention in the affairs of Arab countries.

On counter-terrorism, the Council affirmed its firm stances and decisions on rejecting terrorism and extremism and working to cut the sources of its funding, in addition to supporting international efforts to combat terrorism, stressing that tolerance and coexistence among nations and peoples are among the most important principles and values .

The Supreme Council also said that the Iranian-backed Houthi militias' continued hostilities and terrorist operations evident by the launch of ballistic missiles and booby-trapped drones to target civilians and civilian objects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, violating international and humanitarian law by using the civilian population in Yemeni civilian areas as human shields, among other violations. The council emphasized the legitimate right of the leadership of the coalition to support legitimacy in Yemen to take and implement the necessary measures to deal with these hostile and terrorist acts, and the need to prevent arms smuggling to these militias, which poses a threat to the freedom of maritime navigation and global trade in the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Red Sea, praising the efficiency of the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces in intercepting and responding to these missiles and aircraft, which amounted to more than 423 ballistic missiles, 834 booby-trapped drones and 98 booby-trapped boats.

The council also condemned Iran's continued support of terrorist acts in the Kingdom of Bahrain, saying it represents a threat to the GCC and the region's security and stability. The council praised the efforts of Bahraini security in arresting terrorist elements and expressed their support of the Kingdom of Bahrain in all the measures it may take to maintain its peace and stability. They renewed their call on Iran to end its support of terrorism inside GCC member states.

On the Palestinian issue, the final statement issued by the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, at its 42nd session, noted that the Supreme Council affirmed its firm positions on the centrality of the Palestinian issue, and its support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all the Palestinian territories occupied since June 1967, and the establishment of the Palestinian state independent, with East Al Quds as its capital, and guaranteeing the rights of refugees, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and international legitimacy resolutions, stressing the need to activate the efforts of the international community to resolve the conflict, in a manner that meets all the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people according to those foundations.

The Council called on the international community to intervene to stop the occupation's targeting of Palestinians in Al Quds, and expelling them from their homes, in addition to the attempts to change the demographics of the are in violation of international law.

The Supreme Council expressed its rejection of any tendency to annex settlements in the West Bank to Israel, in clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations, principles of international law and United Nations resolutions, including Security Council Resolution No. 2334 of 2016, the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice of 2004, and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, and also condemned Israel's continued construction of settlement units in the occupied Palestinian territories, and called on the international community to pressure the Israeli authorities to retract its settlement decisions in violation of international laws and resolutions.

The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirmed commitment to its principled stance on Iran's continued occupation of the three UAE islands of Greater and Lesser Tunbs and Abu Musa in the Arabian Gulf. The council reiterated its support of the UAE's sovereignty over the three islands and in considering any practices by Iran on the Islands as void, calling on Iran to respond to the UAE's efforts in resolving the issue.

The Supreme Council also affirmed the readiness of the GCC states to cooperate and deal seriously and effectively with the Iranian nuclear file, in a way that contributes to achieving common goals and interests within the framework of respect for sovereignty and neighborliness policies, and respect for UN resolutions and international legitimacy to ensure the strengthening of regional and international security and stability. The Supreme Council stressed the need for the GCC countries to participate in any negotiations with Iran, and all regional and international discussions and meetings related to this matter, given the paramount importance of this file related to the security, safety and stability of the countries in the region, stressing the need to address the destabilizing behavior of the region and support extremist sectarian militias. The Iranian missile program, including ballistic and cruise missiles and drones, the safety of international navigation and oil installations, and the continuation of coordination and consultation with brotherly and friendly countries in this regard. The council also condemned Iran for failing to adhere to its international commitments regarding Uranium enrichment.

In its final communique, the Council called for reaching a political solution to the Yemen's calamity, in line with the Gulf initiative and its executive mechanism, the outcomes of the national dialogue and the UN Security Council Resolution 2216. The Council renewed support of the GCC states to the efforts of UN and US special envoys for Yemen Hans Grundberg and Tim Lenderking respectively aiming to reach a political solution in line with references. The communique called on the two sides of Riyadh accord to complete the implementation of the remaining items of the deal and back the Yemeni government to achieve its missions, start development in the liberated areas to meet aspirations of Yemen's people and restore stability in Yemen as well as recapture state's authority and institutions across the country.

The Council welcomed the UN Security Council's move placing some terrorist Houthi leaders on the sanction list for their direct threats to peace, stability and security in Yemen. It also criticized Iran's interference into Yemen's domestic affairs and smuggling weapons to Houthi militias, in an explicit violation of the UN Security Council Resolution 2216.

The Supreme Council stressed the importance of the special strategic partnership between the Cooperation Council and the Kingdom of Morocco, the implementation of the joint action plan, and its firm positions and decisions in support of the Moroccan Sahara, and the preservation of the security and stability of the Kingdom of Morocco and its territorial integrity, praising Security Council Resolution 2602 issued on Oct. 29 of 2021 regarding the Moroccan Sahara.

The Council also stressed the importance of the special strategic partnership between the Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and directed to intensify efforts to implement the joint action plans that were agreed upon within the framework of the strategic partnership between the Cooperation Council and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

The Council praised the results of the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Arab Republic of Egypt, which was held in Riyadh on Dec. 12 of 2021, which will contribute to strengthening relations between them in all fields. The Supreme Council affirmed support for the security and stability of the Arab Republic of Egypt, praising its efforts to enhance Arab national security and security. and peace in the region, combating extremism and terrorism and promoting development, prosperity and prosperity for the brotherly Egyptian people.

The Council also affirmed its firm stances and decisions towards brotherly Iraq, and supported the existing efforts to combat terrorism and achieve security and stability in Iraq, stressing the importance of preserving the integrity and territorial integrity of Iraq, its full sovereignty, its Arab-Islamic identity, its social fabric and national unity, and its support for confronting terrorist groups and armed militias in order to consolidate the sovereignty of the state and enforce the law.

The Council congratulated the Iraqi government on the success of the electoral process that took place on October 10, 2021, praising the efforts made by the Iraqi government and the High National Commission in the process of organizing the elections.

Regarding the Syrian issue, the Supreme Council affirmed its firm positions regarding preserving the territorial integrity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, respecting its independence and sovereignty, and rejecting regional interference in its internal affairs. The council also confirmed its support for a political solution based on the principles of Geneva 1, and Security Council Resolution No. 2254, expressing its aspiration that the meetings of the Constitutional Committee in Syria would result in a consensus that would lead to such a resolution and end the crisis.

With regards to Lebanon, the Supreme Council affirmed its firm solidarity with the brotherly Lebanese people to achieve everything that would preserve Lebanon's security and stability, and called on the Lebanese parties to assume the national responsibility to achieve security, stability and development. It also condemned the organization of a press conference in Beirut for a terrorist group, with support from Hezbollah. It also called on Lebanon to take all necessary measures to ensure comprehensive reforms and combat corruption, to extend its control and sovereignty over all its institutions, and to prevent the terrorist group Hezbollah from practicing its terrorist activities, embracing and supporting terrorist organizations and militias that destabilize security and stability in Arab countries to implement the agendas of regional countries.

On the Libyan issue, the Supreme Council affirmed its firm positions and decisions regarding the Libyan crisis, reiterating the GCC states keenness to preserve the interests of the brotherly Libyan people, achieve security, stability and development in Libya, ensure its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, stop interfering in its internal affairs, and the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries. from Libyan territory, supporting efforts to counter the so-called (ISIS) terrorist organization, and supporting the efforts of the United Nations to reach a political solution. 

The final communique issued by the GCC Supreme Council, at its forty-second session, welcomed the formation of the Tunisian government, and expressed its hope that this government would achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Tunisian people in everything that would achieve prosperity and progress for them, what would support its security and stability, and achieve a decent life and prosperity for its brotherly people.

The Supreme Council also affirmed its firm positions towards the sisterly Republic of Sudan, and its continuous support to enhance its security and stability and achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Sudanese people and their legitimate hopes for stability, development and prosperity, welcoming the announcement of the signing of the political agreement to settle the crisis in Sudan issued on November 21, 2021, which was signed between the Chairman of the Sovereign Council and the Prime Minister, welcoming the agreement reached by the parties to the transitional phase in Sudan on the tasks of the next phase, restoring transitional institutions, and contributing to achieving the aspirations of the Sudanese people in a manner that preserves political and economic gains, and protects unity among all Sudanese political components.

With regard to the Renaissance Dam, the Supreme Council affirmed that the water security of the Republic of Sudan and the Arab Republic of Egypt is an integral part of the Arab national security, and rejected any action or measure that affects their rights in the waters of the Nile, it also affirmed its support for all endeavors that would contribute to resolving the dam file, taking into account the interests of all parties, and the importance of continuing negotiations to reach a fair and binding agreement, in accordance with international laws and standards.

On the Afghan issue, the Supreme Council affirmed the keenness of the GCC countries to restore security and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and to reach a consensual political solution that takes into account the interests of all components of the Afghan people, in a way that achieves the aspirations of the brotherly Afghan people, and benefits regional security and peace and the international community, and to contribute to mobilizing international support for providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people and improving economic conditions.

The Supreme Council condemned the terrorist operations against Afghanistan, which target innocent civilians and civilian facilities, stressing the GCC's solidarity with Afghanistan to enhance security and stability in its territory, also stressed the importance of ensuring that Afghan territory is not used by any international terrorist groups, or that Afghan territory is used to export drugs.

The Supreme Council welcomed the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to call for the holding of the extraordinary meeting of the Ministerial Council of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Dec. 19, 2021, to provide relief to the people of Afghanistan.

The GCC Supreme Council at its forty-second session, directed the strengthening of relations of cooperation, dialogue and partnership between the GCC, brotherly and friendly countries, and effective regional and international organizations, and to complete the implementation of joint action plans, and what was agreed upon in the working groups and joint committees formed for this purpose.

The Supreme Council extended its deep appreciation and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to his rational government, and to the dear people of the Kingdom, for the generous hospitality, kindness, and sincere feelings of brotherhood enjoyed by the meeting.

The Supreme Council welcomed the fact that its forty-third session will be chaired by the Sultanate of Oman.

SOURCE: QNA