DOHA: The final statement of the 44th GCC Summit held in Doha said that the GCC Supreme Council expressed its deep appreciation and gratitude for the great and sincere efforts made by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik during the Sultanate of Oman’s presidency of the 43rd session pointing to the important steps and achievements the session witnessed.
On behalf of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, HH Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmood al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers, headed the Sultanate of Oman’s delegation in the 44th GCC Summit, which was held in Doha, the State of Qatar, on Tuesday.
The Supreme Council expressed its hope to end escalations in Gaza, the targeting of Palestinian civilians, the forced displacement of Palestinians and towards a complete cessation of the war on Gaza Strip, ending the Israeli siege on Gaza, alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people. The Supreme Council stressed that the international community should shoulder the responsibility of dealing with this issue without applying double standards.
The statement said that the GCC Supreme Council oversees the implementation and complementation of the economic unity and the joint defence and security systems. Besides, the Council coordinates attitudes to enhance the solidarity and stability of the GCC states to avoid regional and international conflicts and achieve the aspirations and ambitions of their peoples.
The Supreme Council expressed its satisfaction over the steps taken to attain integration among the GCC states. The Supreme Council directed the competent authorities in the member states and the GCC Secretariat-General and the ministerial and technical committees to double efforts to complete the requirements of the Customs Union.
The final statement affirmed the GCC Supreme Council’s adoption of the basic pillars of energy transitions, energy security, economic development and climate change by continuing with sustainable investments in hydrocarbon sources to maintain the stability of global energy markets while taking into account technical developments by adopting the circular carbon economy as an integrated and comprehensive approach for addressing the challenges resulting from greenhouse gas emissions.
The Doha Declaration cautioned against the dangers of expanding confrontations and the spread of the conflict to other regions in the Middle East, unless the Israeli aggression stops, which will lead to dire consequences for the peoples of the region and for international peace and security, reiterating the GCC leaders’ call on the international community to intervene to achieve a ceasefire and protect Palestinian civilians.
The GCC Supreme Council voiced concern over the escalation of racism and hatred against Arabs and Muslims in a number of countries warning that anti-Islamic rhetoric has reached dangerous levels creating a negative political climate in relations between countries especially the burning of the Holy Quran, the escalation of attacks against Arabs and Muslims and the deliberate targeting of them.
UNITY OF COUNCIL
Earlier, Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Emir of Qatar, Chairman of the 44th session, expressed his thanks for His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik on his appreciated efforts in chairing the 43rd session of the GCC Supreme Council and His Majesty’s keenness to ensure the unity of the council and its accomplishments.
Shaikh Tamim added that, “The accelerating international and regional variables necessitate persistent consultation and coordination between us in order to address them and avoid their consequences."
He pointed out that the summit convenes against the backdrop of unabated grave tragedy and unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip. He also expressed his confidence in GCC countries being capable of reaching understanding and cooperation that can also contribute to resolving some regional issues.
On his turn, Jassem bin Mohammed al Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General, said that the GCC stances on the Palestinian cause are a continuation of previous stances. He also stressed the danger of the Israeli occupation continuing its crimes and depriving the Palestinian people of their rights.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkiye (Guest of Honour at the 44th GCC Summit) said that the goal is to establish an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The official delegation of the Sultanate of Oman comprised Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al Busaidy, Foreign Minister, Dr Abdullah bin Mohammed al Saeedi, Minister of Justice and Legal Affairs, Qais bin Mohammed al Yousef, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion, Sayyid Ammar bin Abdullah al Busaidy, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the State of Qatar, and Abdullah bin Khalfan al Balushi, Head of the Private Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers. - ONA
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