New York, July 30 (BNA):  Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Christophe Bigot, the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the high-level ministerial session of the United Nations (UN) Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-state Solution at the UN headquarters in New York.

Topics focused on the latest developments in the Palestinian issue.  The two sides also exchanged on the regional and international efforts being made to support the peace process and to achieve a just and comprehensive solution based on international legitimacy resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Albudaiwi stressed the importance of joint action to stop the siege on the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and the necessity of bringing in all relief aid to help alleviate the tragic conditions in the Strip.

Albudaiwi emphasised the importance of redoubling international efforts to end the Israeli occupation and to stop all illegal practices that undermine the chances for peace and security in the region.

The GCC Secretary General reiterated the firm position of the GCC countries in supporting the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, chief among them their right to establish their independent state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The two sides also expressed the keenness of the Cooperation Council and the EU to enhance joint coordination and cooperation, and to back all international initiatives and endeavors aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East in order to serve regional and international security and stability.

M.I, A.A