BEIRUT

The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Friday reaffirmed the bloc's support to Lebanon, urging it to pursue full political and economic reforms.

Jassim Al-Budaiwi made the remarks at a joint press conference in Beirut along with Kuwaiti Foreign Abdullah Al-Yahya and Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib.

Budaiwi and Yahya met top Lebanese officials including President Joseph Aoun, parliament speaker Nabih Berri and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

The secretary general affirmed the GCC's "support for Lebanon and for all efforts aimed at enhancing its security and stability, contributing to sustainable development and prosperity for the brotherly Lebanese people."

He also reiterated the GCC's "steadfast position in supporting Lebanon's sovereignty, security, stability, and territorial integrity."

Budaiwi emphasized "the need for comprehensive political and economic reforms in Lebanon to overcome the ongoing political and economic crisis."

Their visit to Lebanon came after a landmark visit by Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan to Lebanon, marking a shift in the Gulf nations' position towards Lebanon after the election of JAoun as president.

Budaiwi also reiterated the GCC's "categorical rejection" to Israel's repeated assaults on Lebanon, and called for its immediate withdrawal from the Lebanese territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday that withdrawal from Lebanon could take more than the 60 days agreed upon in the cease-fire deal brokered in November of last year.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar