The Supreme Council, in its final statement of the 44th GCC Summit, reaffirmed its firm stances and previous decisions regarding the condemnation of Iran’s continued occupation of the three islands (Greater and Lesser Tunbs, and Abu Musa) belonging to the United Arab Emirates. It reiterated support for the UAE’s sovereignty rights over the same three islands as well as the UAE’s territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone surrounding these islands, considering them integral parts of the UAE’s territories. The Council deemed any decisions, practices, or actions by Iran on the three islands as invalid and ineffective, not altering the historical and legal facts that affirm the UAE’s sovereignty over these islands. It called upon Iran to respond to the UAE’s efforts to resolve the issue through direct negotiations or resorting to the International Court of Justice.
Regarding the Dorra Gas Field, the Supreme Council affirmed that the entirety of the Dorra Gas Field lies within Kuwait’s maritime territories, and that the ownership of natural resources in the submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti divided area, including the entire Dorra Gas Field, is solely a joint ownership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Kuwait. The statement added Both have exclusive rights to exploit the natural resources in that area, in accordance with international law provisions and based on the valid agreements between them. The Council firmly rejected any claims of rights by any other party in this field or the submerged area adjacent to the demarcated area between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.
Regarding relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Supreme Council reiterated its firm positions and decisions concerning relations with Iran. It emphasized Iran’s commitment to fundamental principles built on the United Nations Charter, international law treaties, good neighborliness, respect for state sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful dispute resolution, and the rejection of sectarianism. Additionally, the Council welcomed the agreement reached between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Republic of Iran in Beijing on Mar. 10, 2023, under the auspices of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This agreement involved the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries, reopening their missions, activating the security cooperation agreement, and the economic cooperation agreement between them. The Council expressed hope that this agreement would constitute a positive step towards resolving disputes, ending all regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomatic means, and establishing relationships based on mutual understanding, respect, good neighborliness, sovereignty respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and commitment to the charters of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, along with international laws and norms.
The Council also appreciated the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman and the Republic of Iraq for hosting the Saudi-Iranian dialogue rounds during 2021-2022, and the efforts of the People’s Republic of China for sponsoring and hosting talks resulting in an agreement to resume Saudi-Iranian diplomatic relations. The Council looked forward to this step contributing to enhancing security and peace in the region.
The Supreme Council expressed concern about the developments in the Iranian nuclear file, affirming its readiness to cooperate effectively on this issue. It emphasized the necessity of GCC countries’ participation in all regional and international negotiations, meetings, and discussions on the Iranian nuclear issue. Besides the Iranian nuclear program, these negotiations should include all security concerns of the GCC countries, such as ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, international navigation safety, and oil facilities. This approach aims to achieve common objectives and interests while respecting sovereignty, good neighborly policies, and adherence to UN resolutions and international legitimacy to ensure regional and international security and stability. The Council stressed the importance of Iran’s commitment not to exceed uranium enrichment levels required for peaceful purposes and the necessity of fulfilling its obligations and full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The Supreme Council underscored the importance of maintaining maritime security and waterways in the region, countering activities that threaten the region and the world’s security and stability. This includes targeting commercial ships, threatening maritime navigation routes and international trade, and endangering oil facilities in GCC countries. (MORE)
Source: Qatar News Agency