Doha: Qatari newspapers highlighted in their Tuesday editorials the importance of the 164th session of the regular and consultative meetings of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council held in Kuwait on Monday. The session praised the unified Gulf positions on regional issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, and the active role played by Qatar in strengthening joint Gulf action and consolidating security and stability in the region.
According to Qatar News Agency, the newspapers highlighted Qatar's mediation efforts, in coordination with Egypt and the US, to achieve a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid to besieged civilians. The newspapers also addressed the unique nature of Qatari-Kuwaiti relations and its ongoing development, which reflects the depth of the fraternal and historical ties that unite the two countries.
For its part, Al-Watan newspaper referred to the written message sent by HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, pertaining to the deep-rooted fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to further support and develop them. The message was handed by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani during a meeting with HH the Amir of the State of Kuwait at Al Bayan Palace.
The newspaper indicated that the meeting was held in an atmosphere of constant commitment to supporting and strengthening relations across various fields, in a manner that meets the aspirations of the two brotherly countries and peoples, and which confirms the deep partnership between them, in order to achieve security, stability, and prosperity for the two countries, the region and the world.
Al-Watan stressed that Qatari-Kuwaiti relations transcend the concepts of diplomacy and geography, and are rooted deep in history. The two countries are bound by a unique and distinctive relationship that shares common characteristics, built on a shared destiny and purpose, and a pursuit of integration and interconnectedness in all vital areas that fulfill the aspirations of their peoples. This is consistent with the determination of the wise political leaderships in the two countries to advance and elevate these relations to higher and more integrated levels.
The Qatari-Kuwaiti relations have witnessed significant development in recent years, reflected in the convergence of the two countries' views on all political and economic fronts, as well as their shared visions on regional and international issues, the newspaper concluded.
Meanwhile, Al-Sharq newspaper said that the 164th session of the regular and consultative meetings of the GCC Ministerial Council is of exceptional importance at this critical time for the region, particularly in light of the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation to unprecedented levels. The session reiterated the GCC's firm position in support of the Palestinian cause and to affirm the unity on regional and international issues, it added.
Al-Sharq also noted that the meeting commended the mediation efforts led by Qatar, in cooperation with Egypt and the US, to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, release hostages, and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid. This reflects the growing role of the GCC states, particularly Qatar, as key players in the regional and international political landscape, capable of effectively influencing the course of major crises, the newspaper underlined.
The GCC countries expressed a decisive moral and humanitarian stance through their clear condemnation of the practices of the Israeli occupation and their categorical rejection of attempts to displace the residents of the Gaza Strip, holding the occupation fully responsible for its crimes against civilians, and considering these crimes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. This unified position reflects the GCC's commitment to defending Palestinian rights and its rejection of all forms of ethnic cleansing and forced displacement, the paper added.
The newspaper concluded its editorial by emphasizing that the meeting is not merely a recurring diplomatic event, but rather a renewed affirmation that the GCC is a key player in defending Arab and humanitarian issues, and in promoting regional security and stability.
In turn, Al-Arab newspaper emphasized that Qatar is a fundamental pillar in strengthening Gulf cohesion within the framework of the GCC. These efforts are evident in its active participation in regular meetings, such as the 164th session held on Monday, in which HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani headed Qatar's delegation.
The newspaper stressed that Doha seeks to enhance coordination and integration among the GCC states through its unwavering support for joint Gulf action, which aims to achieve unity among member states and strengthen ties between their peoples. It also plays a prominent diplomatic role in supporting various Arab issues, reflecting its commitment to a balanced foreign policy.