US-Gulf Cooperation Council Joint Statement: Key Points on Shared Priorities and Regional Issues

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The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have issued a joint statement outlining their shared priorities and areas of agreement, despite their occasional divergent views.

The statement was released following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's participation in a GCC meeting during his visit to Saudi Arabia.

The US emphasized its enduring commitment to the Gulf region, even as it shifts its foreign-policy focus towards competition with China in an evolving global landscape.

Two-State Solution for Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:

The joint statement supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, based on the 1967 borders with mutually agreed swaps and consistent with internationally recognized parameters and the Arab Peace Initiative.

The endorsement of the 1967 borders is a notable departure from previous US administrations that recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

However, the statement does not mention the recent normalization of relations between Israel and certain Arab states.

Silence on Arab-Israeli Normalization:

Although US Secretary of State Blinken aimed to promote formal relations between Israel and Arab states, the joint statement did not address Arab-Israeli normalization.

Countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan had initiated diplomatic ties with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords brokered by the previous US administration. Saudi Arabia, while committed to the Arab Peace Initiative, did not explicitly endorse these normalization efforts.

Welcome to Saudi-Iranian Rapprochement:

The joint statement unambiguously welcomed the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, emphasizing the importance of adherence to international law.

This stance marks a departure from past US statements that showed cautious support for the Chinese-brokered deal between the two countries.

The US continues to confront Iran's destabilizing behavior in the region but encourages direct dialogue and diplomacy between Iran and regional governments.

Consensus on Syria:

Despite previous differences, the US and the GCC expressed support for a political resolution to the Syrian crisis, preserving Syria's unity according to UN Security Council Resolution 2254, which calls for free elections.

The statement also reiterated support for the US military presence in Syria to prevent the resurgence of ISIS, while condemning actions that threaten the safety and security of these forces.

Additionally, the joint statement emphasized the need for a nationwide ceasefire and the safe return of refugees to Syria.

Vague Stance on Ukraine:

The joint statement emphasized the importance of respecting territorial integrity and international law without explicitly condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Gulf states have maintained a neutral approach to the conflict, while the US has sought to unify its allies against Moscow.

The statement focused on the humanitarian aspects of the crisis, calling for efforts to achieve a peaceful solution, address the humanitarian crisis, support refugees and displaced persons, and ensure food security in affected countries.

Laslty:

The joint statement between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council reflects shared priorities and common ground on various regional issues.

The US-GCC relationship remains resilient, with both sides emphasizing their commitment to addressing challenges and finding diplomatic solutions.

While certain topics were not explicitly addressed, the statement signifies ongoing cooperation and dialogue between the two entities.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)