Gulf foreign ministers to hold meeting with counterparts from Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and Jordan

By Yusuf Alioglu and Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers will hold a meeting Thursday in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with their counterparts from Egypt, Syria, Morocco, and Jordan to discuss ways to strengthen strategic ties and enhance cooperation across various sectors.

In a statement, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said that the council’s 163rd ministerial meeting will convene Thursday, chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Yahya, with participation from the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain.

The meeting will discuss several reports regarding the follow up on the implementation of the decisions made by the GCC’s 45th summit, which took place in Kuwait in December 2024, Al-Budaiwi said.

"The agenda will also cover topics related to dialogues and strategic relations between the GCC countries and global states and blocs, in addition to the latest regional and international developments affecting the area," he added.

On the sidelines of the meeting, GCC ministers will hold joint discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, he added.

These meetings will focus on "enhancing strategic relations and joint cooperation in various fields that contribute to achieving common interests," Al-Budaiwi said.

They will also address "continuing consultation, coordination, and exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual concern, which supports and enhances security and stability in the region."