Manama (TDI): Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) reiterated their commitment to a shared security framework at the conclusion of the 46th session of the Supreme Council, held at Al-Sakhir Palace in Bahrain.
The delegates emphasized that the security of GCC member states is inseparable, and any threat to a member’s sovereignty is viewed as a threat to the entire bloc.
In a joint statement, the leaders stressed the importance of respecting sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and rejecting the use or threat of force.
GCC Secretary Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi highlighted the council’s unified support for Qatar, following separate attacks on the country this year amid the Gaza conflict. He described Iran’s June missile strike on the US Al-Udeid Air Base as a violation of sovereignty and regional norms, while condemning an Israeli September airstrike in Doha that killed six people, including a Qatari citizen, calling it a blatant assault on international peace efforts.
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The summit welcomed the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit outcomes and international initiatives aimed at ending the Gaza war, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the two-state solution and the Arab Peace Initiative.
Albudaiwi also commended Saudi Arabia and France for co-chairing a September conference in New York that led to the recognition of Palestinian statehood by several countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, while acknowledging Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey for their role in mediating the Gaza agreement.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman led the Saudi delegation and co-chaired the fourth meeting of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council. Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa noted that the summit addressed key regional challenges and explored ways to strengthen GCC solidarity and integration. Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said the bloc had successfully navigated complex regional and international challenges and reiterated condemnation of Israel’s actions toward Qatar.
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Leaders also reaffirmed their vision of a Middle East free from nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction and highlighted the role of GCC joint naval forces, headquartered in Bahrain, in safeguarding energy security, maritime navigation, and international trade.
The summit additionally emphasized economic goals, including fulfilling GCC Common Market and Customs Union objectives, enhancing trade and tourism, and investing in infrastructure, transport, energy, communications, water, and food sectors. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attended as guest of honor.
Founded in 1981, the GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait, with its headquarters in Riyadh.
