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2. The Joint Council welcomed the tangible progress achieved within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the EU, established by the 1988 Cooperation Agreement. The Joint Council underlined the particular importance of this partnership in view of the serious threats to peace, security, and stability at the regional and international levels, as well as the challenges that the global economy is facing.

3. The Joint Council commended the outcomes of the first GCC-EU Summit, held in Brussels on 16 October 2024 under the title "A Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity," and looked forward to convening the next Summit in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2026.

4. The Joint Council referred to the 1st EU GCC Summit Joint Statement of October 2024 and reiterated the Strategic Partnership aims to be the driving force in promoting its common objectives as close partners, anchored in respect for an international rules-based order fully respecting international law, including the United Nations Charter, international humanitarian law and the promotion and protection of universal human rights. The Joint Council acknowledged the need to support multilateralism and the importance of sustainable development and prosperity. 

5. They equally also welcomed the outcomes of the 2nd High-Level Ministerial Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, held in Kuwait on 5 October 2025 and commended the work of the EU Special Representative for the Gulf, Luigi di Maio.

6. The Joint Council welcomed the outcomes of the second GCC-EU Regional Security Dialogue, held in Brussels on 24 April 2025 and encouraged to move swiftly to implement its outcomes.  The Ministers also welcomed the valuable exchanges and progress made in enhancing cooperation on peace, security and defence matters of common interest since the last Joint Council in the areas of counter-terrorism, maritime security, cybersecurity, non-proliferation and disarmament, disaster preparedness and emergency management, including through the holding of a Maritime Security Seminar in Brussels on 15-16 May 2025, EU-GCC 1.5 Track Roundtable on Cyber Diplomacy in Riyadh on 1–2 October 2025 alongside the Global Cybersecurity Forum, and the planning of a first meeting of the EU-GCC Counter-Terrorism Working Group. 

7. The Joint Council commended the outcomes of the first meeting of directors of criminal investigation and intelligence from GCC and EU countries, held in Abu Dhabi on 5 February 2025, which reflected the importance attached by both sides to strengthening security cooperation, including on countering migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The Joint Council stressed the importance of the continuation of such meetings on a regular basis.

8. The Joint Council acknowledged the EU’s and GGC’s strong commitment to enhance cross-regional trade and investment relationship given the changing global trade environment. As the EU and the GCC explore the possibility to resume regional Free Trade Agreement negotiations, the Joint Council agreed to move forward more rapidly on key issues of common interest. 

9. The Joint Council commended the valuable contributions of 8th GCC-EU Business Forum, held in Doha in October 2024, and encouraged active participation at the 9th edition, scheduled to take place in Kuwait on 5-6 November 2025. In this regard, the Joint Council stressed the importance of continuing efforts to diversify sources of financing, credit, and financial services, and to build a more conducive business environment for both sides. 

10. The Joint Council instructed that future dialogues, including the EU-GCC Trade and Investment Dialogue scheduled for 2025, to continue addressing regulatory cooperation, and harmonisation of standards, effective implementation of sustainable development goals, as well as enhanced cooperation in intellectual property rights, including geographical indications, customs, anti-fraud, anti-counterfeiting, and anti-smuggling. The Ministers equally stressed that EU-GCC dialogues in this area should lead to enhanced mutual market access, supply chain diversification, investment-friendly policies, economic integration, modernisation, the facilitation of investment and trade in safe sustainable low carbon technologies, resource efficiency, digital trade, and sustainable global value chains, including supply chains. The Joint Council will continue strengthening cooperation on restrictive measures and their implementation. 

11. The Joint Council encouraged active participation in the 14th GCC-EU Macro-economic Dialogue, scheduled for December 2025, and instructed that future dialogues focus on ways to achieve enhanced economic integration and diversification of the respective economies.

12. The Joint Council will join its efforts to create sustainable and diversified economies that benefit their populations and contribute to global climate action, in line with the Paris Agreement and respective national circumstances and obligations. It will increase its collaboration on renewable energy and hydrogen, energy efficiency, energy storage, electricity and abatement and removal technologies such as carbon capture and utilisation and storage, and will also assess prospects for joint connectivity. The Joint Council will also combine its strengths in innovation, as with regards to zero and low emission technologies and critical energy transition minerals. The Ministers reiterated their respective commitments to scale up urgent action to address the crises and challenges posed by climate change, biodiversity loss, desertification, ocean and land degradation, drought and pollution.

13. The Joint Council looked forward to strengthening energy cooperation through active participation including, but not exclusively, through high-level meetings, technical exchanges and the pursuit of business opportunities in important areas such as the energy transition, energy security, decarbonisation, sustainability, and sustainable economic growth. The planned Energy Conference and upcoming EU-GCC Fora on Green Transition in Riyadh and Investment & Finance Forum in Abu Dhabi will be opportunities to unlock mutually beneficial investment opportunities and enhance diversification through energy trade and clean technology development. The Joint Council also recalled the aspiration to enhance cooperation on the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

14. The Joint Council welcomed the signing of the Administrative Arrangement between the GCC Emergency Management Centre (GCC EMC) and the Directorate General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations of European Commission, aimed at strengthening cooperation in disaster management and emergency response. The Joint Council also praised the successful collaboration between the GCC EMC and European Commission in establishing the Radiological Data Exchange Platform (GCC-RDEP) in April 2025 following the installation of Java Real-time On-line Decision Support (JRODOS) in 2024 as accurate disaster risk management tools for radiological incidents.

15. On humanitarian assistance, the Joint Council recalled the endorsement of the 1st EU-GCC Summit for enhanced joint advocacy at international, regional and local levels, in order to ensure humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian law, and explore parallel funding for crises where the EU and the GCC share common priorities. The Joint Council underscored the importance to safeguard the humanitarian space, protect civilians, maintain healthcare access and promote respect for International Humanitarian Law in all contexts.

16. The Joint Council reaffirmed the strategic importance of higher education exchanges and the enhancement of cooperation on research and innovation, underscoring their role in strengthening ties between their peoples and accelerating technological solutions to shared global challenges like sustainable energy transition, climate change, and clean water. The Joint Council encouraged steps to invigorate cooperation through Horizon Europe and the Erasmus+ programme and to facilitate cross-regional initiatives involving SMEs and startups. This includes establishing a regional contact for research, innovation, and education, and participating in innovation-focused business-to-business matchmaking events.

17. The Joint Council noted the opportunities for cooperation in the digital, transport and space sectors, where mutual interests in topics, such as secure connectivity and sustainable aviation and maritime fuels can spark innovation, investments and institutional collaboration. 

18. The Joint Council recognised the tangible opportunities arising for triangular cooperation worldwide and in particular in the Mediterranean and noted an acceleration of its delivery, notably through initiatives in the areas of energy, connectivity, security, critical infrastructure, migration, human and economic development and humanitarian support. 

19. The Joint Council recalled the GCC-EU summit’s call for strengthening ties between the two sides at both the bilateral and collective bloc-to-bloc levels in security, economic, renewable energy, AI and cultural partnerships, fostering investment and promoting economic growth and regional stability.  

20. The Joint Council further committed to enhance its partnership to jointly address hate speech, extremism and racism and promote tolerance, interreligious and intercultural dialogue, in line with the provisions of Security Council resolution 2686. The Joint Council reiterated its commitment to ensure the respect, protection and promotion of universal human rights, it will continue and deepen our Human Rights Dialogues as a key element of our cooperation and stress the importance of relevant UN human rights treaties and mechanisms. 

21. In line with legal requirements in both regions, the Joint Council reaffirmed its commitment to continue efforts to enhance people-to-people contacts by continuing to work together on practical and constructive steps towards a safe and mutually beneficial visa-free travel arrangement between the EU/Schengen and the GCC countries.

22. The Joint Council commended the outcomes of the first GCC-EU Parliamentary Meeting, held in Abu Dhabi on 24 June 2025, with the participation of Speakers of Shura, National, and Representative Councils in GCC states, the President of the European Parliament, and the GCC Secretary General. The Joint Council stressed the importance of maintaining this parliamentary dialogue to enhance joint parliamentary work in a way that serves shared interests.

23. The Joint Council endorsed the outcomes of the 33rd EU-GCC Joint Cooperation Committee meeting, held in Brussels on 5 September 2025 and the 26th GCC-EU Political Committee meeting, held at the GCC Secretariat in Riyadh on 15 May 2025, stressing the need for regular dialogue and close coordination on the challenges facing the two regions.

24. The Joint Council welcomed the second edition of the GCC-EU Young Leaders in Regional Diplomacy programme which started on 6 October 2025, with the participation of 14 young diplomats from GCC countries and the GCC secretariat general. The Joint Council commended this initiative aiming at bolstering people to people contacts between EU and GCC countries and supports its annual iteration.

25. The Joint Council reviewed the implementation of the GCC-EU Joint Action Program (2022 2027), which maps out cooperation across a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, trade and investment, energy, climate change, education, research, innovation, health, development, humanitarian cooperation, and people-to-people contacts. The Joint Council urged continued implementation and adequate support.

26. The Joint Council called for effective participation in the Second World Summit for Social Development, in Doha, Qatar on 4-6 November 2025, to give momentum towards the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and address challenges such poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.

27. The Joint Council welcomed the election of Bahrain and Latvia to the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for 2026-27 and called for increased GCC-EU coordination at the UNSC.

Regional and International Issues

Israeli Attack on Qatar 

28. The Joint Council affirmed the UN Security Council statement condemning the attacks on the State of Qatar on 9 September, 2025, and underlined its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Qatar in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Joint Council considered this an unacceptable escalation and a violation of international law, undermining Qatar's mediation efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, and the exchange of Palestinian prisoners. The Joint Council stressed that attacks on the countries in the region increase tension and seriously impact regional security and stability. 

 

Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel:

29. The Joint Council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East on the basis of the two-State solution, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative, relevant UN resolutions, and the terms of reference of the peace process, on the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem with equivalent land swaps as may be agreed between the parties in accordance with international law and agreed international parameters.

30. The Joint Council welcomed President Trump’s peace proposal to end the war in Gaza, reaffirming readiness to cooperate constructively with the United States and all concerned parties to ensure its implementation, to bring about peace, security, stability and prosperity for the peoples of the region.

31. The Joint Council recalled  the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of the New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution as a clear expression of international will to chart an irreversible pathway to build a better future for Palestinians, Israelis, and all peoples of the region and to support the realisation of an independent, sovereign, and economically viable and State of Palestine living side by side in peace and security with Israel.

32. The Joint Council recalled the UN General Assembly resolution of 12 June 2025 calling for an immediate, permanent, and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered and safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and essential services, respect for international law, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law, protection of civilians and rejection of forced displacement both in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It also called for full implementation of UNSC Resolution 2735 (June 2024), stressing the need for the release of hostages and exchange of Palestinian prisoners.

33. The Joint Council expressed deep concern at the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, including UN reports on famine and worsening health and living conditions. It called on Israel to ensure immediate, unimpeded and safe humanitarian access and sustained distribution of humanitarian assistance at scale into and throughout Gaza, as well as to protect humanitarian facilities and workers, in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law and in line with UNSC Resolution 2730. The Joint Council stressed the essential role of the UN and its agencies, including UNRWA which provides crucial support to the civilian population, both in Gaza and the wider region. Beyond humanitarian assistance, the Joint Council committed to cooperate with international partners on the recovery and future reconstruction process of Gaza building on the Arab-OIC reconstruction plan and the New York Declaration.

34. The Joint Council commended the mediation efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to secure a comprehensive ceasefire, humanitarian access, and release of all hostages and exchange of Palestinian prisoners. It also welcomed statements by international partners, stressing the urgent need for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. Ministers praised the successful High-Level International Conference on a Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Two-State Solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France at the UN on 28–30 July 2025 and on 22 September 2025. The High-level International Conference New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution reaffirmed support for ending the war in Gaza where Hamas must end its rule and handover its weapons to the Palestinian Authority with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of sovereign and independent Palestinian State. The Conference also reaffirmed support for a just, lasting settlement of the Palestinian issue through the two-State solution, unifying Gaza and the West Bank under a reformed and empowered Palestinian Authority, and ensuring stability and security for all countries in the region. Ministers supported the efforts of the Global Alliance for the implementation of the two-State solution, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia, European Union and Norway as a follow-up mechanism to the High-Level International Conference, notably to set a timeline for establishing the independent Palestinian state and ending Israeli occupation, calling on all peace-seeking states to join this initiative.

35. The Joint Council agreed on the need to address the unprecedented fiscal crisis of the Palestinian Authority to uphold the prospect of the two-State solution. It calls on Israel to cooperate with the Palestinian Authority and to release the withheld Palestinian Authority’s clearance revenues. The Joint Council reaffirmed the importance of joint coordination on initiatives towards this end, including the Palestine Donor Group and the Emergency Coalition for the Financial sustainability of the Palestinian Authority launched by France, Saudi Arabia, Norway and Spain. The EU’s financial support of 1.6 billion euro, as well as the GCC financial support allocated in order to address the Palestinian Authority’s immediate financial needs is essential and further engagement of regional and international stake holders would be welcomed.

36. The Joint Council stressed the importance of preserving the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its Holy Sites, recognising the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in this regard, while supporting the work of the Al-Quds Committee chaired by His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco. It voiced concern over settlement activities including the expansion of illegal settlements, and settler violence including against Christian communities in the West Bank as well as Israel’s military operation, and increased terrorist attacks against civilians, which undermine the two-State solution and exacerbate tensions.

Ukraine

37. The Joint Council reaffirmed its commitment to international law and the UN Charter, notably respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of states, non-interference in internal affairs, and the prohibition of the use of force in international relations.

38. The Ministers recalled the UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/1, which “deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter” and “demands that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders”. In line with the resolution adopted at the UN General Assembly ES-11/1, ES-11/2, ES 11/4, ES-11/6 the Joint Council underscored the need to reach, as soon as possible, a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. The Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, extending to its territorial waters.

39. The Joint Council commended the diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia in hosting talks between the United States and Ukraine, as well as between the United States and the Russian Federation to end war in Ukraine, as an effort towards future direct peace talks stressing the importance of such efforts in supporting political initiatives toward settlement. The Joint Council reaffirmed support for regional and international efforts to end the war and called on all to commit to a full and unconditional ceasefire, and ultimately a just and lasting peace. The Joint Council commended GCC initiatives, including meetings held in Jeddah, Copenhagen, and Doha.

40. The Joint Council strongly condemned increasing attacks against civilians, which have resulted in an increasing number of casualties and injuries, as well as destruction of critical infrastructure and threats to nuclear facilities, in Ukraine. The Joint Council called on all partners to intensify the provision of humanitarian and civil protection assistance to Ukraine, and support for the energy infrastructures, including equipment such as power generators and power transformers. The safety and security of all nuclear power plants is essential. In this regard, the Joint Council called for continued support of the important work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

41. The Joint Council expressed deep concern about the series of intentional violations of the sovereign airspace of EU member states by drones and military aircraft including the most recent airspace incursions into Poland, Romania and Estonia in September 2025, marking a dangerous escalation which threaten the security of EU civilians, regional stability and international peace.

42. The Joint Council deplored that this prolonged war is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy. It also condemned continuing violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law and reaffirmed the call to complete the exchange of prisoners of war, and the return of all internees and civilians forcibly transferred and deported from and within Ukraine, including forcibly deported children.  The Ministers commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates Qatar for mediating the exchange of prisoners of war, and their constructive role, including on the return of forcibly deported children and on humanitarian support. The Ministers also commit to build support for pathways towards a framework for a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on international law, including the United Nations Charter.

43. The Joint Council expressed concern about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian solutions in line with international law and humanitarian principles, and with respect to human rights. The Joint Council also expressed its commitment to further support Ukraine through closer coordination with international humanitarian actors. It encouraged GCC countries and EU Member States to explore possibilities to support Ukraine. 

44. The Joint Council raised concern over the decline in international humanitarian funding for Ukraine and stressed the importance of sustaining humanitarian support.

Iraq 

45. The Joint Council will continue to closely follow the issue of Kuwait-Iraq maritime border, stressing that solving the remaining outstanding issues between the two neighbouring countries in according to International Law would contribute positively to regional stability and cooperation. It underscored the importance of Iraq's commitment to Kuwait's sovereignty and territorial integrity over its lands, islands, and low tide elevations, and respect for bilateral agreements, international conventions and relevant UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 833.

46. The Joint Council called for the complete delimitation of the Kuwait-Iraq maritime borders beyond mark 162, in accordance with the United Nations convention on the law of the sea of 1982, and the rules and principles of international law. It stressed the importance of the full implementation of the 2012 Kuwait-Iraq Agreement on regulating maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah, which was signed on April 29, 2012, and entered into force on December 5, 2013 and was jointly deposited at the United Nations on December 18, 2013, and call for the resumption of meetings of the Joint Committee for Regulating Maritime Navigation in Khor Abdullah.

47. The Joint Council welcomed the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2792, which included Security Council’s decision to appoint a Senior Representative, underscoring the Council's responsibility to ensure full implementation of all its mandates and safeguarding justice and accountability. And it reaffirmed the United Nations' pivotal role in promoting, supporting and facilitating, efforts regarding the repatriation or return of all Kuwaiti and third country nationals or their remains, and the return of Kuwaiti property, including the national archives, and it called upon Iraq to deliver tangible progress towards resolving these matters.

Iran

48. The Joint Council stressed the importance of adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and refraining from the use of force or threats

49. The Joint Council noted the reinstatement of previously lifted UN nuclear related sanctions and restrictions on Iran. The intensive diplomatic efforts with Iran, including during UNGA High-Level week, by the E3, the HR/VP, and many international partners, did not result in creating the conditions for a possible extension of the UNSCR2231. The Joint Council underlined that the return of sanctions does not mark the end of diplomacy with Iran. Its position is that only political and diplomatic efforts can lead to a durable solution to the Iranian nuclear issue. The Joint Council commended the positive role of the Sultanate of Oman in facilitating dialogue among concerned parties, as well as continuing European efforts, including by the HR/VP.

50. The Joint Council underlined the importance of resuming full cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and called on Iran to return to compliance with its legally binding safeguards obligations thereby building trust and reinforcing regional and global security and stability.

51. The Joint Council called on Iran to end its occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the UAE and the principles of the Charter of the UN. The Joint Council expresses grave concern on the lack of progress about resolving the dispute between UAE and Iran over the three islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa. It reiterated its support for a peaceful settlement of this dispute through bilateral negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice in accordance with International law and the principles of the UN Charter.

52. The Ministers called on Iran to pursue regional de-escalation. The Joint Council stressed the importance of ensuring the peaceful nature of the Iranian nuclear program, and ceasing of proliferation of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that threaten the security of both our regions and beyond as well as undermine international peace and security in violation of relevant UN agreements and resolutions. The Ministers express shared interest in a close EU-GCC dialogue on these issues. 

Yemen and Red Sea

53. The Joint Council reaffirmed its support for an inclusive Yemeni-led political process under UN auspices to reach a sustainable, inclusive and diplomatic solution to the conflict. It commended the ongoing effortsof Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman and the UN Special Envoy, as well as ongoing contacts with all Yemeni parties, to revive the political process and achieve a comprehensive, sustainable political settlement. The Joint Council called on the Houthis to engage meaningfully in peace talks to end the crisis, cease their threats and attacks in the Red Sea, guaranteeing safe passage to ships and seafarers and proceed to the immediate and unconditional release of all arbitrarily detained humanitarian staff.

54. The Joint Council expressed deep concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Yemen, reiterated the importance of principled humanitarian response, and stressed the need to preserve humanitarian space and ensure the protection of civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and civilian infrastructures throughout Yemen.  It emphasised the importance for GCC and EU countries to join efforts to mobilise both humanitarian and development assistance thereby enabling the Government of Yemen to meet its obligations, restore economic stability, and strengthen the role of the Central Bank of Yemen. The Ministers noted Saudi Arabia’s announcement in September 2025 of $368 million in new aid Yemen through the Saudi Program for the Development and Reconstruction of Yemen, and more than €300 million of ongoing support to Yemen and its people.  The Ministers underlined the urgency of addressing the looming and widespread malnutrition affecting millions of Yemenis, particularly children, women and other persons in vulnerable situations, as well as urgency of building economic resilience and creating job opportunities for Yemenis. To this end, the EU and GCC are committed to develop deepened partnerships and identify opportunities for triangular cooperation benefitting Yemen.

55. The Joint Council stressed the importance of safeguarding regional airspace, maritime security, and waterways, and countering activities that threaten regional and global security, including attacks on commercial shipping, threats to navigation, and strikes on oil facilities or damage of critical infrastructure in the Red Sea. The Joint Council also expressed its appreciation for the EU defensive Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and Combined Maritime Forces with the aim of safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime security in the international waters in the Red Sea and beyond. 

Syria

56. The Joint Council reaffirmed the importance of respecting the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic, rejecting foreign interference in its internal affairs, and underlined that Syria’s security and stability are essential for regional stability. It condemned all acts of violence aimed at destabilising Syria. It welcomed Syria’s roadmap to resolve the crisis in Al-Suwaida province, commending the efforts made by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the United States in this regard. It reaffirmed its support for the steps taken by Syria to enhance its security, safeguard its territorial integrity, contribute to building state institutions and consolidating the rule of law, to fulfil the aspirations of all communities in Syria for a stable and prosperous future.

57. The Joint Council reaffirmed UNSC Resolution 2782 of 30 June 2025, stressing the need to adhere to the 1974 Disengagement Agreement, and reiterated that it does not recognise Israeli sovereignty in the occupied Golan Heights. It calls on all external actors without exception to fully respect Syria’s unity, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, while sthe security concerns of neighbouring states.

58. The Joint Council expressed its support to a peaceful and inclusive Syrian led and Syrian owned transition that fulfils the aspirations of all Syrians without discrimination. The transition must include accountability and equality before the law. It recalled its support to Syrian and international efforts towards accountability for all atrocities committed in Syria.

59. The Joint Council stressed the importance of supporting economic recovery and reconstruction in Syria to improve living conditions and promote economic stability. It urged the international community and international financial institutions to enhance engagement in a coordinated manner in support of the Syrian economy that meets the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserves the country’s unity and stability. The Joint Council underscored the need for continuing the provision of principled humanitarian aid to respond to the continued life-saving needs of the population across the country, as well as sustained humanitarian access to those in need, as well as the protection of civilians, civilian infrastructure.  

60. The Joint Council reaffirmed that disarmament, demobilisation and re integration of all armed groups into unified national security forces is a prerequisite for internal security and political stability under the rule of law. The Joint Council reaffirmed that the fight against Da’esh and other terrorist groups, which continue to pose a threat to Syria, to the region, to Europe and to international peace and security, remains a priority. It called on Syria to continue to engage with international partners on counterterrorism issues and join multilateral efforts such as the Global Coalition Against Da’esh and Operation Inherent Resolve.

Lebanon

61. The Joint Council stressed the need for full implementation of UNSC resolutions on Lebanon, in particular Resolution 1701, as well as the Taif Agreement, in order to achieve lasting peace and security, safeguard Lebanon’s territorial integrity, and ensure that the Lebanese government exercises full authority over all Lebanese territory.

62. The Joint Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s security and stability, and the need to preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Joint Council commended the plan adopted by Lebanese Government and called for its full implementation. In order to enable the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to fulfil their fill responsibility, the Joint Council affirmed the importance of collectively increasing support to the LAF. The Joint Council reaffirmed UNIFIL’s stabilisation role and the importance of UNIFIL’s cooperation with LAF for the stability of Lebanon and the region.  

63. The Joint Council expressed support for the government of Lebanon’s reform and state-building efforts. The Joint Council reiterated support for Lebanon in its path to restore security and stability, to secure state monopoly on arms, and to meet the aspirations of its people for peace, prosperity, and development. 

The GCC and EU Ministers agreed to hold the 30th Joint Ministerial Council meeting in Brussels.

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