New York, September 22 (QNA) - Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, said the high-level general debate of the United Nations General Assembly, which brings together leaders and representatives of countries around the world, is an important international occasion for bridging differences, building consensus and opening broader avenues for joint action on the issues and challenges facing the international community.

GCC Secretary-General made the remarks during his participation on Tuesday in the opening of the high-level general debate, attended by several world leaders, heads of government and senior officials, on the sidelines of his participation in the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.

The GCC Secretary-General said the current period, with its rapid changes and mounting challenges, places a greater responsibility on the international community to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy and work to create common ground for addressing disputes and resolving crises through peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law. He stressed the importance of focusing on multilateral diplomacy as the primary means of addressing regional and international challenges.

He said the GCC countries base their approach to regional and international issues on a consistent commitment to respecting the sovereignty and independence of states, noninterference in their internal affairs, and reliance on dialogue and political solutions. He said they believe that lasting security and stability can be achieved only through cooperation, shared responsibility and adherence to the rules of international legitimacy.

Albudaiwi also said the GCC countries' participation in the General Assembly's work, along with the high-level meetings and discussions held on its sidelines, provides an important opportunity to exchange views with international partners and broaden areas of understanding and coordination on issues of common interest. Such engagement, he said, serves shared interests and contributes to advancing peace, stability, development and prosperity regionally and internationally. (QNA)