The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General, Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, has stressed the importance of restoring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. This statement was made during the first joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Swiss Federal Council, held in New York City. The meeting was co-chaired by Bahrain's Foreign Minister, Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, and Swiss Federal Councilor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Ignazio Cassis.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted the significance of the meeting in promoting political dialogue and consultation between the GCC and Switzerland. He noted that the relations between the two sides have witnessed a significant development this year, marked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding to establish a strategic dialogue in January. The GCC Secretary-General expressed his hope that this memorandum would be translated into concrete and tangible initiatives that would enhance common interests.
The GCC Secretary-General reviewed the recent developments in the region, including the attacks on GCC countries since February 28. These attacks, carried out by Iran and its proxies, targeted vital infrastructure and resulted in human and material losses. Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the GCC countries were not parties to the war and had made continuous efforts to mediate and contain the escalation.
Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the disruption of international navigation and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had far-reaching consequences for the world. These consequences included rising energy prices, disruption of supply chains, and increased burdens on governments and businesses. He stressed that the security of waterways in the Gulf region was a global concern, not just a regional one.
The GCC Secretary-General called on Iran to fully comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and to permanently and unconditionally cease its attacks. He also emphasized the need for the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to its pre-February levels. Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's commitment to the Palestinian cause and the need for a two-state solution.
Al-Budaiwi expressed his hope that the first joint ministerial meeting would mark the beginning of a new phase in GCC-Swiss relations. He emphasized the need to build on the existing understanding and cooperation between the two sides to elevate their relations to more ambitious levels. The GCC Secretary-General also expressed his hope that Switzerland would recognize the State of Palestine.
The meeting was attended by GCC foreign ministers and senior officials. The joint ministerial meeting aimed to enhance cooperation between the GCC and Switzerland in various fields, including politics, culture, and development. The two sides also discussed ways to promote peace and stability in the region and to address common challenges.
Key points
- GCC Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi calls for the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.
- The GCC and Switzerland aim to enhance cooperation in various fields, including politics, culture, and development.
- Al-Budaiwi emphasizes the need for Iran to fully comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
