RIYADH: The Gulf Cooperation Council marked its 43rd anniversary in Riyadh on Sunday with a ceremony attended by its members, ambassadors, and various guests including Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar. In his speech, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi said the council was an “icon and embodiment of the shared religious, historical, social, and cultural values that are reinforced by the geographical extension of the GCC countries.” Al-Budaiwi said the council has had a clear vision for integration since its inception. The GCC was formed on May 25, 1981, at a conference in Abu Dhabi, bringing together the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait. A charter was signed creating the council for the Arab states. The six-member bloc was initially formed as an economic group but then grew with the wider mission to provide stability and security for the region. The cooperation grew further to include other areas including energy, agriculture, telecommunications and education. Al-Budaiwi said the region was facing difficult and unprecedented challenges, citing the killings, forced displacements, and other violations committed by Israel against the Palestinian people. “We underscore the firm position of the GCC regarding the Israeli aggression. Therefore, we call for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire and an end to the Israeli military operations in all parts of Gaza, including the city of Rafah, and ensuring the provision of all humanitarian aid, relief, and essential needs to its population,” Al-Budaiwi said. He urged the international community to adopt policies that would end the violence against the Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Islam’s holy sites. Al-Budaiwi said the GCC supported the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital — in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and UN resolutions. He also highlighted the achievements of the GCC in recent years. “Our commitment to enhancing economic relations and opening new markets for the GCC countries is not only aimed at diversifying our economic activities but also at positioning the council’s countries as a strategic player on the global trade stage. “Faced with these achievements and joint GCC projects, we now have a great responsibility to continue and preserve the gains that have been achieved during this blessed journey,” Al-Budaiwi said. He added: “We have confidence in the capabilities and energy of our youth, whom we see as our strongest bet to achieve success and further strengthen the role and position of the cooperation council regionally and internationally.” There was also a speech delivered by the ambassador of Qatar to Saudi Arabia, Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah, before the closing ceremony. The event ended with traditional songs and dances of each member nation, including Saudi Arabia’s Ardah dance.