|  | | 2/16/2026 10:52 AM |  وليد الدغباسي | 2/16/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his condemnation in the strongest terms of the Israeli occupation authorities' decision to convert areas of the occupied West Bank into what they term "state property."
His Excellency emphasised that this decision represents a flagrant and grave violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions, and serves as an expansion of illegal settlement policies, necessitating a firm international stance.
"These aggressive practices constitute a blatant infringement on the rights of the brotherly Palestinian people and a systematic attempt to seize their lands," His Excellency underscored, adding that this is a clear defiance of the will of the international community and United Nations resolutions, which affirm the illegality of settlements and the necessity of ending the occupation.
Furthermore, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi called upon the international community to take immediate and practical steps to halt these serious violations and to compel the Israeli occupation authorities to cease their settlement policies and unilateral decisions that threaten security and stability in the region.
Finally, His Excellency reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position in support of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, foremost of which is the establishment of an independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant international legitimacy resolutions.
| | | HE GCCSG:The Israeli Occupation Authorities' Decision to Designate West Bank Lands as So-called "State Property" Represents a Flagrant and Grave Violation of International Law and International Legitimacy Resolutions, Requiring a Firm International Stance | 2026 | | | | 2/16/2026 3:48 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/16/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that building a robust and sustainable Gulf economy remains contingent upon strengthening joint cooperation and the integration of efforts among Council states. He noted that this path has been adopted by the GCC states as a steadfast approach and an unwavering commitment in all fields, especially within the monetary and banking sectors.
This statement was delivered during His Excellency’s speech at the 86th Meeting of the Committee of Central Bank Governors of the GCC, held today, Monday, February 16, 2026, in the Bahraini capital, Manama. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr Khalid Ebrahim Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain—President of the current session—and attended by the Governors of the Central Banks of the GCC states.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his deepest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the Kingdom of Bahrain's hosting of this blessed meeting. He praised the facilities and support provided by the Kingdom to ensure the success of the GCC’s work and the patronage that joint Gulf action receives from His Majesty and Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Council states, across all fields.
His Excellency pointed to the rapid transformations in the global economy amidst successive political crises, which have had direct repercussions on the economies of the Council states due to their openness and integration with the global economy.
"This necessitated enhancing the readiness of economic and monetary policies and taking measures to address these variables and mitigate their impacts," His Excellency stated, emphasising that the GCC states have proven their ability to remain resilient and overcome various crises with efficiency and competence.
His Excellency further stressed that the meetings of the GCC Central Bank Governors contribute to achieving greater economic convergence between the Council states and pushing the GCC journey toward broader and more comprehensive horizons.
In a related context, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi stated that the GCC states hold a firmly established position as a reliable international economic partner, thanks to the robustness of their economies, the stability of their fiscal and monetary policies, and the effectiveness of their institutional frameworks. He reviewed key economic indicators and facts for the Council states according to the latest updates from the GCC Statistical Centre, noting that total deposits reached approximately $2.3 trillion in commercial banks operating in the GCC by the end of 2025, an increase of 10.6% compared to 2024. Additionally, total assets reached over $3.9 trillion in commercial banks by the end of 2025, an increase of 11.9% compared to 2024, while net foreign assets increased in GCC central banks by 10.5% in 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching approximately $842 billion.
His Excellency concluded by noting that these indicators clearly confirm the strength and robustness of the banking and monetary sectors in the Council states, while simultaneously highlighting the vital importance of coordination and integration among the GCC states in this field.
 
| | | HE GCCSG: Building Robust & Sustainable Gulf Economy Remains Contingent Upon Strengthening Cooperation & Integration Among Council States—a Path Adopted as Steadfast Approach & Commitment Across All Fields, Particularly in Monetary & Banking Sectors | 2026 | | | | 2/15/2026 10:11 AM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/15/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscored that the existing partnership between the GCC and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) represents an advanced practical model for bolstering regional and international security. He described it as a true reflection of a shared will rooted in cooperation, mutual interests, and a collective responsibility toward global and regional stability.
These remarks were delivered during His Excellency’s speech at the side event titled "NATO-GCC Relations," held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency reviewed the trajectory of the partnership and its tangible achievements in maritime security, cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and defense capacity building. He noted that 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in cooperation with NATO, as the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in the State of Kuwait recorded its highest level of activity.
"The Centre implemented 25 qualitative activities, including training courses and specialised events involving hundreds of leaders and experts from GCC and initiative member states," His Excellency stated. This, he noted, reflects the effective engagement of Council states in building a modern regional security system based on knowledge and institutional action.
His Excellency explained that the Centre's programmes covered precise strategic fields, including maritime security, cybersecurity, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) security, emergency planning, military medical services, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
"This reflects the evolution of the concept of security from its traditional dimensions into a comprehensive and integrated system," His Excellency explained.
He also touched upon the Centre’s 2026 action plan, which includes 31 diverse activities ranging from political dialogue and practical cooperation to capacity building, confirming that these plans demonstrate the maturity of the partnership and its transition to more advanced and impactful stages.
Concluding his speech, His Excellency emphasised that the GCC views this partnership within a long-term strategic vision, considering regional security an integral part of international security. He asserted that regional stability is built upon partnerships, institutional integration, and multilateral action.
| | | HE GCCSG: The GCC-NATO Partnership is an Advanced Model for Enhancing Regional and International Security | 2026 | | | | 2/14/2026 3:09 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/14/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in a side event titled "Strengthening Mediterranean Cooperation: Jointly Addressing Security and Migration Challenges" on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, today, Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
The session featured keynote contributions from His Excellency Mr Andrej Plenković, Prime Minister of Croatia, and Her Excellency Ms Dubravka Šuica, European Commissioner for the Mediterranean (North Africa and the Middle East).
During his intervention, His Excellency the Secretary General explained that the Council states play an active role in supporting international efforts to address irregular migration. "This is achieved through contributions to development and reconstruction programmes in conflict-affected countries, as well as providing humanitarian and relief support. Such efforts help mitigate the root causes of displacement and enhance opportunities for stability and prosperity in affected communities," His Excellency explained.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi further pointed out that the GCC attaches special importance to strengthening partnerships with the European Union (EU) to achieve mutual interests, bolster security and stability, and support sustainable development goals.
He emphasised that the Council states possess advanced developmental, economic, and humanitarian expertise, qualifying them to contribute effectively to international initiatives aimed at addressing shared global challenges.
 
| | | HE GCCSG Participates in Side Event Titled "Strengthening Mediterranean Cooperation: Jointly Addressing Security and Migration Challenges" on the Sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference | 2026 | | | | 2/14/2026 5:37 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/14/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Her Excellency Ms Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, reaffirmed the importance of strengthening GCC-Canadian dialogue and partnerships to achieve the mutual interests of both sides.
This occurred during His Excellency’s meeting with Her Excellency the Canadian Foreign Minister in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany, today, Saturday, February 14, 2026, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
During the meeting, several topics were discussed, most notably a review of relations between the GCC states and Canada and ways to enhance cooperation across various fields, in addition to discussing the Joint Action Plan.
While exchanging views on the latest regional and international developments, both sides also underlined the importance of joint international action on humanitarian issues through multilateral frameworks to contribute to bolstering security and stability in the region and the world.
| | | HE GCCSG Meets With Canadian Foreign Minister; Both Emphasise Importance of Strengthening GCC-Canadian Dialogue and Partnerships on the Sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference | 2026 | | | | 2/14/2026 7:32 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/14/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with His Excellency Mr Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, today, Saturday, February 14, 2026, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
During the meeting, several topics were discussed, most notably a review of ways to strengthen GCC-Ukrainian relations in a manner that serves mutual interests.
During the meeting, His Excellency noted that the GCC's position on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis is based on the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter. He emphasised the preservation of an international order based on respect for the sovereignty of states, their territorial integrity and political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, and the non-use of force or the threat thereof.
| | | HE GCCSG Meets With Ukrainian Foreign Minister on the Sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference | 2026 | | | | 2/14/2026 11:43 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/14/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with His Excellency Mr Luigi Di Maio, the European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Gulf, today, Saturday, February 14, 2026, in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
During the meeting, they reviewed the trajectory of relations between the GCC and the EU, exploring ways to enhance and develop them across various fields of mutual interest to meet the aspirations of both sides for a more comprehensive and effective partnership.
The discussion also addressed the follow-up mechanism for the outcomes of the 29th Joint GCC-EU Ministerial Meeting, hosted by the State of Kuwait in October 2025, and the ongoing efforts to implement the agreed-upon joint initiatives and projects.
Both sides emphasised the significance of strengthening coordination and consultation mechanisms to contribute to solidifying security and stability, supporting sustainable development paths, and achieving the mutual interests of the GCC and EU member states.
| | | HE GCCSG Meets With EU Special Representative for the Gulf; Both Review GCC-EU Relations | 2026 | | | | 2/13/2026 2:35 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/13/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the Council—through its unity and strategic methodology—is more than a guardian of its sovereign interests; it is an essential partner in maintaining regional and global stability and a pillar for international cooperation.
He pointed out that the GCC continues to play a pivotal role in bolstering security and stability through a framework of dialogue, diplomacy, and global partnerships, serving as a steadfast example of how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for progress and shared prosperity.
These remarks were delivered during His Excellency’s participation in the panel discussion titled "A Vision for the New Middle East: The Future of Regional Integration." The session was held on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference, organised by the Atlantic Council, today, Friday, February 13, 2026, in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
"The leaders of the Council states maintain an unwavering belief in a fundamental principle: that the security and stability of the GCC states constitute the bedrock of security and stability for the entire region," His Excellency stressed.
He explained that the Middle East faces interconnected security, political, and economic challenges that demand a collective vision rooted in respect for state sovereignty, commitment to international law, and the adoption of peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
"The Cooperation Council adopts a comprehensive strategy for crisis management that integrates political mediation, economic cooperation, and the cultivation of international partnerships. To this end, the Council has woven a network of relations spanning more than 23 countries and 8 international organisations and groups," His Excellency stated.
Moreover, His Excellency emphasised that the Palestinian cause remains at the very heart of the Cooperation Council’s priorities, underscoring the necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace in accordance with the two-state solution. This includes the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Furthermore, he stressed the importance of addressing the challenges associated with the Iranian nuclear file, asserting the necessity of the GCC states' participation in any relevant negotiations. "This participation is vital to ensuring regional security and stability, and to bolstering efforts aimed at rendering the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction (WMD)," His Excellency underscored.
His Excellency concluded his remarks by saying: "The Council states have consistently been at the forefront of humanitarian action, having provided approximately $14 billion in humanitarian aid between 2020 and 2025. This significant contribution reflects their unwavering commitment to supporting international stability and global development."
| | | HEGCCSG: Through Unity & Strategic Vision, GCC Acts not only as Defender of its Own Interests but Key Partner in Global Stability & Cornerstone for International Cooperation, Anchored in Approach Defined by Dialogue, Diplomacy & International Partnerships | 2026 | | | | 2/13/2026 2:49 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/13/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency President Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland, received His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany, today, Friday, February 13, 2026, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
The meeting addressed several key topics, most notably reviewing the relations between the GCC states and Finland and exploring avenues to develop them in service of mutual interests. Additionally, the two sides discussed the latest developments on both the regional and international stages.
During the meeting, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General stressed the GCC’s commitment to consultation and cooperation with international partners to bolster regional and global integration and support sustainable development.
He further underlined the importance of tracking economic and strategic files and aligning perspectives on political issues to serve the interests of the Council states and enhance their role within the global order.
| | | HE President of the Republic of Finland Receives HE the GCCSG on the Sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference | 2026 | | | | 2/13/2026 4:47 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 2/13/2026 | Secretary General | | 2 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Ms Theresa May, Chair of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany, today, Friday, February 13, 2026, on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
During the meeting, both parties explored avenues for cooperation between the GCC and the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, while reviewing the Council's significant efforts in this field.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi stressed that the GCC states, rooted in their belief in human dignity and the right to a decent life, have adopted numerous resolutions and regulations to safeguard the rights of workers within the Council states. "These measures align with the principles of our tolerant religion as well as international and regional human rights conventions," His Excellency said.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed their aspirations for continued and constructive cooperation, reaffirming the strength of the GCC-British relationship and their mutual desire to further elevate these ties.
| | | HE GCCSG Meets With the Chair of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking on the Sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference | 2026 |
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