Kuala Lumpur: The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed its firm stance on the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, calling on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities. Kuwaiti Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, who is also President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, emphasized the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sheikh Sabah Khaled urged the international community to adopt effective measures to end the aggression, protect civilians, end the occupation, and launch a genuine peace process. He called for these actions to be based on legitimate international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. His Royal Highness made these remarks at the inaugural ASEAN-GCC-China Summit.

Sheikh Sabah Khaled also highlighted the GCC's appreciation for the support of partners in ASEAN and China for the Palestinian cause. He stressed the importance of maintaining this support in various international forums.

Regarding the situation in Syria, the GCC welcomed positive developments and expressed support for efforts to achieve security and stability. The Crown Prince noted the importance of preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity, aiming to restore security and dignity for the Syrian people and enable national reconstruction.

The summit, initiated by Malaysia as ASEAN Chair, aimed at strengthening trilateral economic cooperation between ASEAN, the GCC, and China. It brought together leaders from ASEAN, GCC member states, and China.