Doha: The GCC Ministerial Council recently affirmed its stance on the ownership of the Al Durra field, emphasizing that it lies entirely within the maritime boundaries of Kuwait. The Council stated that the natural resources in the partitioned submerged area adjacent to the Saudi-Kuwaiti partitioned zone, including the Al Durra field, are jointly owned by Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Both nations retain exclusive rights to exploit these resources, in accordance with international law and existing agreements. The Council dismissed any external claims to the field or adjacent submerged areas.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministerial Council condemned the attack on the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) on June 27, 2025, which resulted in casualties. The Council reiterated its support for the UN and international peace efforts. It also denounced a terrorist attack in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on June 30, 2025, which targeted a military convoy, causing numerous casualties. The Council extended condolences to Pakistan and wished the injured a swift recovery.
The Council welcomed a resolution to the crisis in Syria’s As Suwayda governorate and hailed President Ahmed Al Sharaa’s commitment to accountability for abuses. It condemned a terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus on June 22, 2025, and emphasized the need for dialogue and unity within Syria. The Council also condemned Israeli actions in Syria, urging adherence to Security Council Resolution 2782 and supporting Syria’s territorial integrity.
The GCC Ministerial Council was briefed on economic cooperation with Syria, praising the outcomes of the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum and Qatar’s announcement of a natural gas pipeline between Turkey and Syria. The Council also supported Lebanon’s decision to restrict weapon possession to the state and condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon.
In Yemen, the Council stressed the importance of maritime security and condemned the Houthi group’s sinking of two cargo ships, resulting in environmental damage and loss of life. It praised Yemeni forces for intercepting a shipment of weapons bound for the Houthis and condemned foreign interference in Yemen.
Regarding Iran, the Council called for continued negotiations to resolve Iran’s nuclear file and emphasized the need for GCC participation in related discussions. The Council praised Oman’s facilitation of dialogue and stressed cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency to enhance regional security.