Manama: Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al-Zayani affirmed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has proven its capacity to address regional and international challenges over the years, establishing itself as an influential regional entity in promoting security and stability.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the minister highlighted the council's developmental achievements, which have become a model of sound planning and wise vision, earning significant international recognition. This was conveyed in a speech by Al-Zayani during his chairmanship of the 166th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, a preparatory meeting for the 46th GCC Summit of the leaders of the GCC states. The meeting was attended by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, foreign ministers and representatives of the GCC states, and GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi.
The Bahraini minister emphasized the Supreme Council of the GCC's commitment to continuously evaluating the achievements of collective action and called for adopting positions and decisions that enhance the GCC's performance and the solidarity of its member states. Al-Zayani noted that the council's unity of positions and commitment to development has greatly benefited GCC citizens.
He reiterated support for just Arab causes, the preservation of Arab national security, and the guarantee of the rights of Arab peoples to security, stability, and a dignified life. He also advocated for cooperation with the international community to maintain global peace and security and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all humanity.
Al-Zayani thanked the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kuwait for his efforts during his chairmanship of the previous session of the Ministerial Council, along with the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council, his assistants, and the staff of the General Secretariat for their preparations for this meeting.
In his address, GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi expressed gratitude to Bahrain for hosting the Ministerial Council meeting in preparation for the 46th session of the Supreme Council. He expressed hopes that Bahrain's presidency would lead to further progress and achievements in the GCC's journey.
Al-Budaiwi also expressed gratitude to the leaders of the GCC member states for their support of the General Secretariat and joint Gulf action, affirming the Secretariat's commitment to implementing directives and advancing Gulf integration.
The meeting addressed the Council's agenda, including monitoring the implementation of resolutions and discussing recommendations from specialized ministerial councils and committees. The focus was on strengthening Gulf cooperation in political, economic, security, defense, developmental, and social fields.
The discussions also covered developments in free trade agreement negotiations between the GCC and various countries, outcomes of joint meetings with friendly nations and international blocs, and ongoing arrangements for summits, conferences, and strategic dialogues.
The Ministerial Council examined current regional and international developments, their implications for regional security, efforts to de-escalate tensions, support relief efforts, and provide humanitarian assistance. It also addressed issues related to maintaining regional security, combating terrorism and extremism, and protecting maritime navigation.