The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Wednesday strongly reaffirmed its commitment to Syria’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, while firmly rejecting foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs. This declaration came at the conclusion of the 46th GCC Summit, held at Sakhir Palace in Manama, Bahrain.
In the summit’s concluding statement, known as the “Sakhir Declaration,” GCC leaders condemned Israel’s repeated attacks on Syrian territory, describing them as serious violations of the UN Charter, international law, and relevant Security Council resolutions. They emphasized that the security and stability of Syria are vital pillars of overall regional security.
The leaders reiterated that the occupied Syrian Golan remains Arab land, denouncing Israeli settlement expansions and recent military incursions in the region. They called on the UN Security Council and the international community to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities, urging a complete Israeli withdrawal from all occupied Syrian territories.
The GCC statement also condemned all acts of hostility within Syria and voiced support for the Syrian government’s efforts to maintain security and stability. Leaders welcomed Syria’s roadmap to address the crisis in Sweida Province and praised the constructive role of Jordan and the United States in supporting these initiatives.
A strong call was made for all Syrian parties to prioritize dialogue, reject division, and strengthen national unity to advance the country’s reconstruction process.
The declaration highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ease sanctions on Syria and acknowledged U.S. support in this regard, which the GCC said would boost public confidence, support economic recovery, and promote national cohesion. The UAE’s economic contributions to Syria were also commended.
Regional and Humanitarian Focus
The summit addressed broader regional issues, including the situation in Gaza. Leaders supported the outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit and emphasized full adherence to the ceasefire, stressing the importance of facilitating humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts.
GCC members reaffirmed their support for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution.
GCC Affairs and Regional Security
The leaders expressed satisfaction with progress in joint Gulf initiatives, including integrated defense, security frameworks, and sustainable development projects. They emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum to achieve further gains for GCC member states and their citizens.
Respect for sovereignty, rejection of interference, and commitment to collective security were central themes. Any violation of a member state’s sovereignty was declared a direct threat to regional stability. Leaders reiterated adherence to the UN Charter principles, including peaceful dispute resolution, non-interference, and good-neighborly relations.
The summit also highlighted collaboration in technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the promotion of youth and women’s participation in development. Environmental protection, climate action, and renewable energy initiatives were underscored as priorities for the GCC states.
Additionally, the leaders committed to strengthening international partnerships, combating extremism and transnational crime, and advancing a vision for a Middle East free from nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction.
The 46th GCC Summit was chaired by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. Founded in 1981, the GCC is composed of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman.
