Riyadh , SANA-The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its support for Syria and Lebanon as Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi condemned repeated Israeli attacks in both countries, calling them a grave threat to regional stability.
In an interview published Sunday, Al-Budaiwi stressed that Syria and Lebanon are integral parts of the Arab fabric, noting that Gulf support extends beyond relief aid to include peacebuilding, economic recovery, and easing humanitarian suffering.
He revealed that the GCC Secretariat is preparing to convene a Gulf-Syria trade and investment forum soon, aimed at expanding joint economic opportunities and deepening Arab cooperation.
The GCC denounced recent Israeli incursions inside the disengagement zone in the occupied Syrian Golan, describing them as a breach of international agreements. Al-Budaiwi also reiterated the bloc’s firm backing of Lebanon’s sovereignty and rejection of Israel’s “Greater Israel” concept, which he called a dangerous expansionist illusion.
Turning to Palestine, the secretary-general said Gulf states stand united with the Palestinian people, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, lifting of the blockade, and unhindered humanitarian access.
Al-Budaiwi also announced plans to roll out a unified Gulf visa and advance the 2,100-kilometer regional railway project, both designed to boost economic integration, tourism, and mobility across member states.
His remarks come at a time of accelerating regional shifts and heightened Israeli escalation, reinforcing Arab calls for joint positions to safeguard sovereignty, rights, and security across the region.
Nawal/ Manar
