The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in a joint statement emphasized the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan, saying that stability in Afghanistan benefits the region and the international community.
The council also reiterated its support for the Afghan people in combating terrorism, stating that Afghan soil must not be used by terrorist groups and drug traffickers.
The statement reads: “The Ministerial Council emphasised the importance of restoring security and stability in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, which will fulfil the aspirations of the brotherly Afghan people and benefit regional and international security and peace.”
The guarantee of women’s rights to education and employment and the support for minorities are among the other issues the GCC emphasized.
The council members further stated that the international community must continue its humanitarian, economic, and developmental assistance to Afghanistan to alleviate the suffering of the Afghan people.
The statement further added: “It also emphasised the importance of guaranteeing women’s rights to education and work, protecting minorities, and ensuring that Afghan territory is not used by any terrorist groups or exploited for drug trafficking. The Council also affirmed its solidarity with the people of Afghanistan in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and enhancing security and stability within their territory.”
Aziz Maarej, a political analyst, said: “The GCC countries are influential players in the region. If they practically implement a program regarding Afghanistan, the issues they mentioned, which are major problems and concerns of the world as well as the Afghan people’s demands, could be addressed. If they cooperate with the Islamic Emirate and gain their satisfaction, given the good relations between the Emirate and these countries, many of Afghanistan’s problems could be resolved, and the situation could truly change.”
Zakiullah Mohammadi, another political analyst, stated: “Issues of minority rights, women’s rights, and other matters have both an internal aspect and an international aspect since Afghanistan is a signatory to international conventions, and it is their duty to defend minority and women’s rights.”
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is a regional political and economic intergovernmental union composed of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.