• Українською
  • Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on the Anniversary of the establishing of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf
    Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, posted 24 May 2024 23:01

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine sincerely congratulates the Secretariat General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the member countries of the Council - the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the State of Qatar, the State of Kuwait, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman - and their friendly peoples, on the 43 rd anniversary of the establishing of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC).

    The GCC has made significant progress since it was founded in 1981, achieving numerous successes in the fields of economy, security, and social development, strengthening the position of member countries in the international arena. 

    The unity of the Gulf countries and their highly respected leaders in the implementation of programs and projects aimed at achieving sustainable socio-economic development and prosperity for the states of the region, improving the well-being and quality of life of citizens, is an example of successful and effective cooperation of peoples who value peace and work for the common prosperity.

    New realities have emerged that place the GCC in the position of a particularly important stakeholder to confront the modern challenges in the fields of global and regional security, political, economic, environmental, and food security areas. 

    In accordance with the principles and norms of international law, the Organization is able to successfully coordinate efforts to ensure stability and security in the region, and

    plays a crucial role in the development of a multi-component security architecture. 

    The GCC countries' support to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia's full-scale armed aggression is highly appreciated. Good deeds are never lost. Providing assistance during this difficult time for us, the GCC countries give hope and strengthen the belief that together, in unity, we will overcome any challenges and threats to the international agenda.

    We are grateful for the humanitarian assistance provided by the governments of KSA, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain in the amount of more than USD 688 million. Between March 2022 and May 2024 more than 4,700 generators, 64 ambulances, 7,500 laptops and 10,000 school kits for the needs of educational institutions, household appliances, medicines and medical equipment, food, and other assistance for victims of Russian aggression and internally displaced citizens were delivered to Ukraine. The GCC countries are actively involved in the implementation of crucial social projects in Ukraine that aim to restore and improve the lives of people during wartime. 

    Ukraine and the Ukrainian people express gratitude for the effective mediation role of the involved Gulf countries in releasing prisoners of war and returning illegally deported persons, particularly Ukrainian children forcibly deported by Russia. Bringing back Ukrainian citizens from Russian captivity and illegal detention is a significant element of the Peace Formula, and it is the foundation of the Bring Kids Back UA action plan, both of which have been initiated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

    Ukraine counts on further active role and effective support of the GCC countries and expects expanding the circle of partners who will assist in returning prisoners of war and Ukrainian children to their homes, as well as in peacebuilding, restoration of civil and energy infrastructure damaged by Russia's armed aggression, and post-war reconstruction of Ukraine. 

    Through cooperation and unity we shall succeed in restoring a comprehensive, just and sustainable peace. It is exactly this task that the Global Peace Summit on June 15-16 in Switzerland aims to achieve, and we encourage all countries of the region to take active part in it.