Kuwait - Mubasher: Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani participated in the extraordinary meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, which was held today, Thursday, in Kuwait, headed by Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council.

The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of the GCC countries, and the participation of Jassim Mohammed Al-Badawi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council, to discuss the latest developments in Syria and Lebanon, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA).

The meeting issued a statement in which the Ministerial Council stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the sisterly Syrian Arab Republic, rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs, combating terrorism and chaos, combating extremism, fanaticism and incitement, respecting diversity and not offending the beliefs of others, expressing its support for all efforts and endeavors working to reach a comprehensive and inclusive transitional process that achieves the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for stability, development and a decent life.

The Ministerial Council stressed that Syria's security and stability are a fundamental pillar of the stability of the region's security.

The Ministerial Council also welcomed the steps taken to ensure the safety of civilians, stop the bloodshed, achieve national reconciliation, preserve the institutions and capabilities of the Syrian state, and the decision to dissolve the militias and armed factions and restrict the carrying of weapons to the state, considering these steps as main pillars for preserving security and stability in Syria and restoring its regional role and international standing.

The Ministerial Council urged all parties and components of the Syrian people to join efforts, give priority to the supreme interest, adhere to national unity, and launch a comprehensive national dialogue to achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for security, stability, development and prosperity.

The Ministerial Council welcomed the call of Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, to establish a United Nations mission to assist and sponsor the transitional process in Syria, while stressing the need to adhere to the principles of the United Nations Charter, including state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, good neighborliness, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, in order to preserve regional and international peace and security.

The Ministerial Council called for lifting sanctions on Syria, and called on all partners, countries and concerned organizations to provide all means of support to the brotherly Syrian people, stressing the continuation of the GCC countries in providing humanitarian aid.

Regarding Lebanon, the Ministerial Council stressed the GCC’s firm positions on supporting Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, stability and territorial integrity, and the importance of implementing comprehensive structural political and economic reforms that ensure Lebanon overcomes its political and economic crisis and prevents it from becoming a launching point for terrorism, drug smuggling and all activities that threaten the security and stability of the region, stressing the importance of the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces.

The Council stressed the need to adhere to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon, and stressed the need to implement Security Council resolutions on Lebanon, especially Resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement, to restore permanent security and stability in Lebanon, ensure respect for the integrity of its territory, political independence and sovereignty within its internationally recognized borders, and extend the control of the Lebanese government over all Lebanese territories.

The Ministerial Council also stressed its support for the efforts of the Quintet regarding Lebanon, which stressed the importance of holding presidential elections as soon as possible, and implementing the economic reforms necessary for the Lebanese government to fulfill its responsibilities towards its citizens.

Regarding the Gaza Strip, the Ministerial Council affirmed the GCC’s firm and permanent support for the brotherly Palestinian people and its defense of their legitimate rights, expressing the GCC countries’ aspiration for the success of the Qatari-Egyptian-American mediation efforts to release the hostages and detainees.

He stressed the need to reach an immediate, permanent and comprehensive ceasefire, end the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, open all crossings immediately and without conditions, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid and medical supplies to meet the basic needs of the residents of the Gaza Strip.

The delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain participating in the meeting included Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Cooperation, Ambassador Salah Ali Al-Maliki, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the State of Kuwait, and Ambassador Mohammed Al-Haidan, Head of the Legal Affairs Sector and Acting Head of the GCC Affairs Sector.