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The GCC-UK foreign ministers have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as a means to resolve the ongoing crisis, highlighting the need to restore regional stability and security.
In a joint statement issued yesterday following an extraordinary meeting on Thursday, the ministers welcomed the United Nations Security Council’s resolution condemning the egregious attacks carried out by Iran against the GCC nations and Jordan, considering them a violation of international law and a serious threat to international peace and security.
They noted that the resolution also condemned Iran’s targeting of residential areas and civilian infrastructure, and resulted in civilian casualties and damage to civilian buildings.
The ministerial council pointed to the unprecedented expression of international solidarity with the GCC countries and Jordan, as demonstrated by the support of 136 members of the UN, and its demand that Iran immediately cease all attacks and unconditionally stop any provocations or threats to neighbouring states, including the use of proxies across the region.
They thanked the UK for its solidarity with the GCC countries and its strong and longstanding commitment to their security, stability and territorial integrity.
They highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts by the GCC member states prior to the attacks, and their commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran.
The officials agreed to undertake joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, cease development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, drones and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond.
They reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, as well as the safety and security of supply chains, shipping, mariners and the stability of global energy markets, noting that the UN Security Council resolution condemned any Iranian actions or threats aimed at closing, obstructing, or interfering with international navigation through the Strait of Hormuz or threatening maritime security in the Bab-el-Mandeb.
The GCC side was headed by Bahrain’s Foreign Minister and chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani. The UK side was headed by Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.
The ministers underscored the significance of their strategic partnership established following the GCC-UK Summit held in November 2016 in Bahrain.
They welcomed the important progress made in the GCC-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and looked forward to concluding an FTA as rapidly as possible.
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