GCC Countries and UK Discuss Key Issues in New York Meeting
The foreign ministers of the Gulf Cooperation council (GCC) states and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper met on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, in New York.The meeting was attended by jassem Al-budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, according to webangah News Agency citing official communications from the GCC.
Thay discussed regional and international issues alongside efforts to strengthen coordination in their strategic partnership. The talks focused on enhancing peace, security, and prosperity across their shared interests.
The participants reiterated their commitment to promoting peace and joint cooperation to address challenges and instability.
Both the GCC and UK condemned Israel’s attack on Doha as a clear violation of Qatar’s sovereignty. They emphasized support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
They warned that such actions risk undermining ceasefire negotiations in Gaza-viewed as essential for achieving sustainable peace.
The meeting attendees also condemned Israel’s blockade restricting humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has led to widespread hunger and suffering among its population.
They called for a de-escalation of tensions across the Middle East while stressing the urgent need to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
The foreign ministers also highlighted ongoing efforts regarding maritime border issues between Iraq and Kuwait. They underscored that resolving outstanding disputes based on international law would positively impact regional stability and cooperation.
In their closing statement, they stressed respect for Kuwait’s sovereignty within internationally recognized borders. They reaffirmed adherence to UN resolutions-especially Security Council Resolution 833 concerning Iraq-Kuwait border delineation-and urged completion of maritime boundary demarcation following marker 162 under UNCLOS 1982 conventions within existing agreements frameworks.
The participants called on Baghdad to resolve internal legal matters related to its 2012 agreement with Kuwait governing navigation through Khor Abdullah channel so that this accord remains valid.
The ministers welcomed UNSC Resolution 2792 adoption while emphasizing Security Council obligation in ensuring full implementation of all mandates along with justice and accountability measures.
Attention was drawn to the role played by the UN High Representative tasked with facilitating return processes for all Kuwaiti citizens or nationals from other countries-including repatriating property such as national archives-and pressing maximal efforts toward resolving all related issues wholly.
On Syria, they stressed stopping Israeli attacks against Syrian territory by calling for renewed restraint there as well as elsewhere in regional disputes involving neighboring states’ security concerns.
An agreement emerged recognizing diplomacy as crucial toward addressing Iran’s nuclear program challenges safely through constructive engagement rather than military escalation or coercion tactics detrimental regionally or globally alike.
The delegates acknowledged ongoing mediation attempts by Oman specifically within broader GCC-U.S.-Iran dialog efforts aimed at reducing tensions.They concurred none benefits from heightened conflict dynamics
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Bilateral support, cross-regional stability remained central themes throughout discussions.
Participants also highlighted fruitful cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signaling sustained diplomatic momentum is necessary so signatories remain compliant with international agreements designed to build mutual trust while strengthening security & stability both regionally & worldwide.
