On Sudan, the Supreme Council affirmed its firm stances and decisions regarding the importance of preserving Sudan's sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity. It stands in support against the current crisis, emphasizing the necessity of calmness, dialogue, unity, lifting the suffering of the Sudanese people, preserving the national institutions' coherence, preventing their collapse, and thwarting any external interference that fuels conflict, threatening regional peace and security.

The Council welcomed the resumption of talks between the representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 29, 2023, aiming to achieve a permanent ceasefire and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Additionally, the Council praised the announcement made by mediators (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United States of America, and the "EGAD" governmental body in conjunction with the African Union) on Oct. 29, 2023, committing to de-escalation, dialogue, and bridging Sudanese parties' perspectives. Also, acknowledging the statement issued on Nov. 7, 2023, by the Sudanese parties committing to facilitating humanitarian aid access, aiming to reach an agreement that spares the Sudanese people the woes of war and conflicts, fulfilling their aspirations, contributing to the country's security, stability, and overall prosperity in all sectors.

The Council also recognized the outcomes of the Summit of Sudan's Neighboring Countries hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt on Jul. 13, 2023, supporting all efforts aimed at restoring security, stability, and regional integrity, extending humanitarian aid and bridges from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, alongside aid from brotherly and friendly nations and international organizations.

Regarding Afghanistan, the Council stressed the importance of restoring security and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to meet the Afghan people's aspirations and benefit regional and international peace and security. It emphasized women's education and employment rights, minority protection, preventing Afghan lands' use by terrorist groups or drug trafficking. The Council commended Qatar's continued coordination of international efforts in Afghanistan and facilitating dialogue between the United Nations and concerned nations and the Afghan de facto authority to ensure adherence to the Doha Agreement.

Furthermore, the Supreme Council expressed sincere condolences to the victims' families and the people of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan due to the earthquake in western Afghanistan. It condemned all terrorist acts targeting civilians, schools, places of worship, hospitals, and affirmed solidarity in combating terrorism, enhancing security, stability, and offering continuous humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.

Concerning the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, the Supreme Council reiterated its adherence to international law principles, the UN Charter, and maintaining the current international order, respecting states' sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and refraining from using or threatening force. It supported the Council's mediation efforts in resolving the crisis between Russia and Ukraine, calling for a ceasefire, political crisis resolution through dialogue, and negotiation.

The Council commended Saudi Arabia for hosting a meeting of National Security Advisors and representatives of several countries and international organizations on Aug. 5, 2023, regarding the Ukrainian crisis. It recognized these initiatives and Saudi Arabia's positive endeavors to contribute to a permanent peace, alleviate the crisis's humanitarian effects, and the successful Saudi mediation in releasing a group of detainees from both sides. It also praised Qatar's mediation efforts in reuniting Ukrainian children with their families in Ukraine.

Moreover, the Council acknowledged the humanitarian and relief aid provided by the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of continuing the grain export agreement between Russia and Ukraine through the Black Sea, expressing support for facilitating grain and food exports to affected countries to ensure food security.

Regarding strengthening strategic partnerships with countries and groups, the Council lauded the outcomes of the joint summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and Central Asian countries hosted by Saudi Arabia in Jeddah on Jul. 19, 2023, and the joint summit between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh on October 20, 2023. It directed for the swift implementation of the agreed-upon items from these summits.

The Supreme Council was informed of the outcomes of the strategic dialogue meetings between the Gulf Cooperation Council and several other countries and groups held this year, including ministerial meetings with the United States, the European Union, the Caribbean Community, the United Kingdom, and Japan. It instructed for the prompt implementation of resolutions and joint action plans agreed upon, strengthening partnerships with active countries and organizations worldwide.

The Council also congratulated the Sultanate of Oman for successfully organizing the 27th Joint Council meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union in Muscat on October 9-10, 2023, establishing regular and organized dialogue between the Council's countries and the European Union in the regional security field. Additionally, it welcomed the European Union's joint declaration on the strategic partnership with the Gulf Cooperation Council.

The Supreme Council welcomed the initialing of the free trade agreement between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, paving the way for its final signing, aiming to bolster economic relations with other countries and blocs, and achieving mutual trade and investment interests. It also welcomed the joint statement on resuming negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement with Japan.

Concerning the upcoming session, the Council welcomed Kuwait's presidency of its 45th session.

Source: Qatar News Agency