The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, convening for its 165th session in Kuwait under the chairmanship of Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Al Yahya, issued a wide-ranging final communiqué on Monday that underscored the bloc’s diplomatic engagement across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.
At the forefront of the statement was the Council’s strong endorsement of Qatar’s role in mediating African peace efforts, particularly its hosting of the Declaration of Principles signing between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Congo River Alliance, also known as the March 23 Movement (M23). The agreement, signed in Doha on July 19, 2025, was hailed as a milestone step that builds upon previous peace understandings between the governments of the DRC and Rwanda. The GCC described the signing as a testament to the region’s rising diplomatic influence in fostering reconciliation far beyond the Gulf’s borders.
In addition to African mediation, the Ministerial Council highlighted Qatar’s joint efforts with Egypt and the United States in pushing toward a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, stressing that such interventions reaffirm the bloc’s central commitment to peace, stability, and humanitarian protection. The Council also welcomed the outcomes of its joint ministerial meeting with Japan and celebrated the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution formalizing cooperation between the UN and the GCC, which it said reflected the bloc’s growing stature as a credible international partner in conflict resolution and development.
Gaza and Palestine at the Core of GCC Diplomacy
The Gaza crisis remained the dominant issue throughout the Council’s statement, which accused Israeli forces of committing war crimes, including genocide, famine-inducing blockades, and the systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure. The Council reiterated its call for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, as affirmed in the June 12, 2025 UN resolution. It emphasized unhindered humanitarian access, the protection of civilians, and a categorical rejection of any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from their land.
The GCC condemned Israel’s military operations in Gaza as deliberate attempts to empty the enclave of its population, dismantle its social fabric, and erase its cultural and religious landmarks. It demanded swift international accountability and action, calling on the UN Security Council to enforce resolutions and urging states still supplying military aid to Israel to halt such support in line with humanitarian law.
On the broader Palestinian cause, the Council reaffirmed the necessity of a two-state solution based on 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of a sovereign Palestinian state. It praised the July 28–30 international conference at the United Nations, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which sought to establish a timeline for Palestinian statehood. The Council applauded recent moves by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and others to recognize Palestine, and urged all countries to follow suit.
The Council also strongly rejected Israeli settlement expansion, including plans in the “E1” area, and condemned the transfer of administrative control of Hebron’s Ibrahimi Mosque to Israeli authorities, describing these steps as flagrant violations of international law.
Broader Regional Issues
Beyond Gaza and Palestine, the GCC communiqué addressed a wide spectrum of geopolitical flashpoints:
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Iran and the Gulf: The Council reaffirmed the UAE’s sovereignty over the three islands—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—occupied by Iran, urging Tehran to resolve the dispute through negotiations or recourse to the International Court of Justice. It also stressed the GCC’s right to be included in all nuclear and security negotiations concerning Iran.
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Iraq and Kuwait: The Council insisted on Iraq’s adherence to bilateral agreements and UN resolutions regarding the demarcation of Khor Abdullah, calling for continued UN oversight of missing persons and Kuwaiti national archives.
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Syria and Lebanon: The Council welcomed new dialogue and economic initiatives with Syria, while condemning Israeli attacks on Syrian and Lebanese territories. It backed Lebanon’s decision to confine weapons to state institutions and supported the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate.
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Yemen: Condemning Houthi attacks on shipping and commercial routes, the Council underlined the need to secure maritime trade in the Red Sea and endorsed preparations for the International Conference on Food Security in Yemen, set for October 2025.
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Africa and Terrorism: The Council condemned terrorist attacks in Pakistan and the Central African Republic, underscoring the GCC’s solidarity with global efforts against extremism.
GCC’s Expanding Diplomatic Footprint
By weaving together African mediation, Middle Eastern conflicts, and global partnerships, the 165th GCC Ministerial Council session highlighted the bloc’s ambition to assert itself as a central diplomatic actor on the world stage. The support for Qatar’s mediation between Congo and the M23 Movement not only signaled Gulf states’ growing involvement in African affairs but also demonstrated how the region is leveraging its financial resources, political influence, and convening power to shape international peace initiatives.
The Council concluded with a renewed emphasis on tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and international law as the pillars of Gulf diplomacy, while signaling that its attention will remain firmly fixed on ensuring justice for Palestine, stability in neighboring regions, and accountability for states or groups undermining international security.
