New York, Sept. 22 (SANA) Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said the security of waterways in the Gulf is an international concern, calling for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab to return to levels seen before Feb. 28.
Al-Budaiwi said disruptions to international shipping and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz had pushed up energy prices, disrupted supply chains and increased costs for governments and businesses worldwide, according to a statement published Tuesday on the GCC website.
He made the remarks during the first joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Swiss Confederation in New York.
Al-Budaiwi called on Iran to comply with U.N. Security Council Resolution 2817, permanently and unconditionally halt attacks and ensure they are not repeated. He said GCC states had faced ballistic missile and drone attacks since Feb. 28.
Turning to Palestine, Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s support for ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international resolutions.
He said GCC states looked forward to Switzerland recognizing the State of Palestine.
Al-Budaiwi described the meeting as a step toward expanding political dialogue and consultation between the GCC and Switzerland and strengthening bilateral relations.
The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding in January establishing a strategic dialogue, while the GCC General Secretariat has prepared a draft joint action plan covering political, cultural, development and humanitarian cooperation.
On Sept. 18, Al-Budaiwi condemned continued Iranian attacks on neighboring countries, warning of their impact on regional security and stability. He called for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to be guaranteed in accordance with international law and the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.
A/ABD
