KUWAIT CITY, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reaffirmed their unity during the council's 165th session attended by foreign ministers of the GCC states in Kuwait on Monday, stressing their commitment to addressing the humanitarian and security challenges in Gaza.

According to a final statement of the session, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, who chaired the meeting, underlined that the GCC continues to play an active role in safeguarding regional stability and shaping a prosperous future for Gulf peoples.

He reiterated the council's call for an immediate halt to "Israeli violations" in Gaza, urging stronger international accountability, the protection of civilians and the recognition of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

GCC ministers also reaffirmed their support for Iraq's stability and prosperity.

The session included a dialogue between GCC and Japan. While Japan expressed its wish to deepen cooperation in energy, trade and investment, Gulf ministers stressed that such ties must be built on mutual respect and recognition of the GCC's development priorities, urging Tokyo to accelerate steps toward a balanced free trade agreement that protects Gulf interests.

They also called on Japan to take clearer positions in support of Palestinian statehood.

The oil-rich GCC was established in 1981 and groups Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. ■