GCC Delegation: Syria's Security is Integral to Gulf Security

Welat TV – Erbil

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah al-Yahya affirmed that his current visit to the Syrian capital, Damascus, is a mandate from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and in line with the outcomes of the ministerial meeting. He emphasized that Syria's security is inseparable from Gulf security.

In a press conference held in Damascus on December 30, 2024, alongside Syrian Foreign Minister As’ad al-Shibani and GCC Secretary-General Jassem al-Bidaiwi, al-Yahya stated, “The security and stability of Syria are integral to the security of the Gulf and the stability of the region.” He also called on the international community to "reassess the sanctions imposed on Syria."

Political and Economic Support for Syria

GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed al-Budaiwi reiterated the purpose of the visit, saying, “Our goal in visiting Damascus is to deliver a unified message of solidarity from GCC countries with Syria.” He highlighted the GCC’s commitment to supporting Syria politically, economically, and developmentally, adding, “Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and rejection of foreign interference in its internal affairs must be respected.”

Al-Bidaiwi also reaffirmed the GCC’s consistent stance that “the Golan Heights are Syrian territory” and condemned “the expansion of Israeli settlements.”

Call for Reopening Embassies in Damascus

Al-Bidaiwi concluded, “The GCC is serious about supporting Syria and its people, reaffirming our full solidarity.”

Syrian Foreign Minister As’ad al-Shibani expressed gratitude for the Gulf’s role in supporting his country. “I thank Kuwait and the Arab countries that have declared their support for Syria, which marks a step toward restoring Syria’s Arab role,” he said.

Al-Shibani urged GCC nations to “reopen their embassies in Damascus” and noted that discussions included “the stages we plan to undertake collectively.” He added, “Kuwait supports Syria’s stability and the representation of all segments of Syrian society,” emphasizing the need to “restore Syria’s economic and political relations.”

GCC Delegation’s Visit to Syria

Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the current chair of the GCC ministerial council, and GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed al-Budaiwi arrived in Damascus yesterday.

According to a statement by the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry, the visit aligns with recommendations from the GCC Ministerial Council.

It underscores “the GCC’s adherence to fundamental principles ensuring Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as its solidarity with the will of the Syrian people,” as reported by Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).