Riyadh, September 19, 2021, SPA -- Saudi newspapers highlighted in their editorials today a number of issues at local, regional and international arenas. Al-Riyadh newspaper reported in its editorial that the the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the Arab States continues to support all issues of brotherly and friendly countries, and the Council’s, whether at the level of leaders’ or ministerial meetings, used to renew its firm positions on these issues, supporting justice in accordance with international laws and norms. The statement issued by the GCC Ministerial Council in its 149th session, which was held at the headquarters of GCC Secretariat General in Riyadh on Thursday, included many supportive positions of Arab and Islamic rights, the newspaper said. The newspaper added that the GCC Ministerial Council showed special interest in Saudi Arabia. It congratulated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the success of this year's Hajj season, expressing its appreciation for the great efforts provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and in serving pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors of the holy sites, as all Saudi preparations and arrangements aim at providing the highest level of care for the visitors of the Two Holy Mosques while performing the rituals in safe healthy environment. The Council condemned the escalation of the Iran-backed Houthi militia via launching missiles and bomb-laden drones towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to target oil facilities and residential neighborhoods, which is a flagrant violation of international norms and laws. It also stressed the GCC solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in addressing these threats. The GCC Ministerial Council’s statement expressed its direct support for the stability of Yemen, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon and Tunisia. It also supported the right of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to restore its three occupied islands by Iran. This is in addition to supporting Egypt and Sudan rights regarding the Grand Renaissance Dam crisis. The Council rejected Iran’s actions in the region, its manufacturing of weapons of mass destruction, and its support of armed militias that cause chaos in the region. It also reiterated support for the Palestinian case. The newspaper concluded that these and other positions enhance the status of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for the Arab States at regional and global levels, as the GCC states’ wise policy contributes to establishing stability in the region and the world. -- SPA 09:44 LOCAL TIME 06:44 GMT 0011 www.spa.gov.sa/w1619792