Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, commended the continuous diplomatic and humanitarian efforts of the United Arab Emirates, which successfully facilitated a new prisoner-of-war exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Consequently, Al-Budaiwi expressed the council’s appreciation for Abu Dhabi’s impactful initiatives in mitigating the human suffering caused by the conflict. Furthermore, he emphasized that this diplomatic achievement reinforces de-escalation prospects and supports international momentum toward a peaceful settlement.
Sustained Humanitarian Role and Track Record
The Secretary-General stated that UAE mediation reflects a steadfast commitment to humanitarian principles when navigating complex war dynamics, praising Emirati diplomacy for building bridges between Moscow and Kyiv on sensitive issues. Additionally, this latest exchange builds on a series of Abu Dhabi breakthroughs, including a landmark May swap involving 410 prisoners (205 from each side), which marked the UAE’s 23rd successful mediation since the outbreak of the crisis. Consequently, these efforts demonstrate the UAE’s capacity to advance critical humanitarian dossiers despite political stalemates.
GCC Principles and Support for Peace
Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s unified stance on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, grounded in international law and the UN Charter. Additionally, the Council reiterated the necessity of respecting state sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and non-interference in internal affairs.
Finally, the Secretary-General called for stepped-up international and regional efforts to foster a political framework for sustainable dialogue, thereby lessening human hardship and safeguarding global security. Ultimately, Emirati diplomatic engagements continue to serve as a model for balanced humanitarian intervention in international conflicts.
