Brussels: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, affirmed that the reconstruction and stability of Syria is a humanitarian and security necessity for the entire region, and therefore, the GCC will remain supportive of all initiatives that put Syria on a path to recovery, a path away from conflicts, based on the foundations of justice, development, and stability. This came during Albudaiwi’s speech at the Ninth Brussels Conference on Syria, today, in the Belgian capital, Brussels, with the participation of many countries and organisations.
According to Qatar News Agency, at the beginning of his speech, Albudaiwi expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to the European Union (EU) for the excellent organisation and preparation for this conference, which embodies the international community’s commitment to supporting the Syrian Arab Republic and its people, and reflects the common understanding of the magnitude of the challenges “we face at this sensitive stage, and opens the door for reconstruction and development.” He emphasized the importance of coordinating international support efforts for Syria’s transitional phase, noting that the situation in Syria is a humanitarian, political, and security challenge that affects the entire region.
Furthermore, Albudaiwi pointed out that the Syrian Arab Republic has witnessed rapid developments recently, necessitating a unified position to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He mentioned that the GCC countries have consistently supported the Syrian people, driven by the belief that a strong, safe, and stable Syria benefits not only Syria but also the Gulf, Arab, and international communities. Albudaiwi highlighted the Ministerial Council of the GCC’s extraordinary session in Kuwait, where support was affirmed for achieving a comprehensive political settlement in Syria and maintaining the safety of civilians and state institutions.
During his speech, the GCC Chief also discussed the diplomatic efforts of the GCC countries, including his visit with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, Abdullah Al Yahya, to meet the new Syrian leadership in Damascus. This visit aligned with agreements made at a consultative meeting of the Ministerial Council, emphasizing the importance of sending a unified Gulf message of support to Syria. Albudaiwi also noted participation in a high-level ministerial conference on Syria held in France, focusing on supporting the transitional process and identifying needs for restoring stability in Syria.
Besides, Albudaiwi mentioned a conference held in Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to support Syria, lift sanctions, and provide humanitarian and economic aid. The GCC’s Ministerial Council affirmed the need to lift sanctions to enable the Syrian economy to recover, creating conditions for the safe return of refugees. Albudaiwi stressed the GCC’s ongoing efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to Syria and welcomed positive steps taken by the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom in easing some sanctions on Syria.
“The Ministerial Council held a joint meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic to discuss ways to support the Syrian people during this crucial period,” he stated. Albudaiwi also highlighted the GCC’s efforts in delivering medical and food aid, implementing volunteer programs in the health sector, and launching training programs to support Syria’s health sector.
In conclusion, Albudaiwi emphasized the GCC’s support for Syria’s security and stability, condemned Israeli attacks on Syrian territory, and called for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied Syrian territories. He reiterated that the Golan remains Arab Syrian land and rejected any attempts at demographic changes in Syria, stressing that Syria’s future must be determined by its people.
