|  | | 5/15/2026 2:20 PM |  نوره فريد السويدان | 5/15/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), welcomed the agreement reached regarding the exchange of detainees in the sisterly Republic of Yemen. He commended the tireless efforts exerted by the sisterly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in hosting the negotiations, as well as the endeavors of the Office of the United Nations (UN) Special Envoy for Yemen and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), which contributed to achieving this humanitarian agreement.
His Excellency emphasised that this step represents a positive gesture that contributes to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the brotherly Yemeni people and enhances trust-building opportunities among the Yemeni parties. He reiterated the GCC's support for all regional and international efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive and sustainable political solution to the Yemeni crisis, in accordance with the three references: the Gulf Initiative and its Executive Mechanism, the outcomes of the Comprehensive National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216, to ultimately achieve security and stability for Yemen and its brotherly people.
| | | HE GCCSG Welcomes Agreement on Detainee Exchange in Yemen; Affirms GCC Support for a Comprehensive Political Solution Based on the Three References | 2026 | | | | 5/15/2026 9:06 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/15/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), commended the efforts and success of the United Arab Emirates' (UAE) mediation in the prisoner exchange between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Ukraine, which resulted in the successful completion of a new exchange involving 410 prisoners.
His Excellency stated that this twenty-third mediation by the UAE since the outbreak of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis reflects its valuable and continuous efforts, as well as its humanitarian role in promoting a peaceful solution between the two sides.
His Excellency reiterated the GCC's stance on the Russian-Ukrainian crisis, emphasising that it is based on the principles of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter.
He underscored the importance of maintaining an international order founded on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and the non-use or threat of force.
| | | HE GCCSG Commends the Efforts and Success of the UAE's Mediation in the Prisoner Exchange Between Russia and Ukraine | 2026 | | | | 5/14/2026 2:06 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/14/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that many achievements and gains have been realised in the GCC economic and financial sphere, strengthening its integration and supporting its financial stability to confront all developments and challenges.
This came during the 125th meeting of the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee of the GCC states, held on Thursday (May 14, 2026) via videoconference, chaired by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, President of the current session, and attended by Their Excellencies the Ministers of Finance and Economy of the GCC states.
At the beginning of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Supreme Council, for the facilities and support provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain to ensure the success of the work of the Cooperation Council, and for the support and attention accorded by His Majesty to joint Gulf action, as well as to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states across all fields.
“Today’s meeting is being held at a critical stage following the blatant Iranian attacks that targeted the GCC states, which require us all to move from the level of traditional coordination to a higher level of practical integration and effective response,” His Excellency stated.
He continued: “The rapid crises and growing economic challenges witnessed in the region highlight the urgent need for a conscious response to these developments, and for taking the necessary measures to address their impact on the economies of the GCC states, which have long been characterised by their openness and interaction with the global economy.”
In the same context, HE the Secretary General emphasised the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, during the 19th Consultative Meeting, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, on the need to expedite the completion of the requirements for achieving access to all joint GCC projects, including transport and logistics services, while accelerating the implementation of the GCC railway project and enhancing the GCC electricity interconnection project. This is in addition to studying the establishment of pipelines for the transportation of oil and gas, the GCC water interconnection project, moving forward with studying the establishment of areas for GCC strategic reserves, and taking into account the liquidity reserves of central banks.
He further commented: “Anyone following the journey of the GCC since its establishment, and the decisions taken within the framework of joint Gulf action, can clearly recognise that diligent efforts have been exerted and that many achievements and gains have been realised in the economic and financial sphere.”
His Excellency added: “In line with the directives and aspirations of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, we all aspire to further coordination, cooperation, integration and interdependence across all fields, particularly the financial and economic field, given its direct connection to achieving prosperity and wellbeing for the citizens of the GCC states.”
 
| | | HE GCCSG: Many Achievements and Gains Have Been Realised in the GCC Economic and Financial Sphere, Strengthening Integration and Supporting Financial Stability to Confront All Developments and Challenges | 2026 | | | | 5/14/2026 3:46 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/14/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the 9th meeting of the Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee for the Economic and Development Affairs Authority serves to strengthen GCC efforts in implementing the directives of the 19th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC.
HE the Secretary General stressed that The GCC Leaders have emphasised the necessity of accelerating the completion of all joint Gulf projects, including transport and logistics, as well as fast-tracking the GCC Railway project and enhancing the GCC Interconnection Grid.
His Excellency noted that the directives also include studying the establishment of oil and gas pipelines, the GCC Water Interconnection project, and moving forward with plans for strategic stockpile zones, while considering the liquidity reserves of central banks.
This statement was made during the 9th meeting of the Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee for the Economic and Development Affairs Authority, held virtually on Thursday (May 14, 2026), and chaired by by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council, and attended by Their Excellencies the Ministers of Finance and Economy of the GCC states.
In his speech, HE the Secretary General expressed his sincerest thanks 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 facilities and support the Kingdom of Bahrain provides to ensure the success of the GCC’s work. He also commended the unwavering support and attention His Majesty bestows upon joint Gulf action, extending his gratitude to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, for their continuous support across all fields.
"The recent regional developments have proven that enhancing Gulf integration and coordination is no longer merely an institutional choice, but a key element in supporting economic and developmental readiness," His Excellency underscored, stressing that it increases the collective capacity to handle variables and maintain the stability of vital sectors, supply chains, and markets. "This integration serves as a fundamental pillar for absorbing shocks and securing the flow of goods and services, thereby reinforcing the common economic security of the GCC states," His Excellency said.
HE the Secretary General added: “Today’s meeting is held in implementation of the directives issued during the 7th meeting of the Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority. These directives concerned the preparation of a framework for the committee’s mandate to enhance its role in supporting the Authority’s work, assisting in monitoring priority economic and developmental issues, and contributing to the completion of strategic aspects within its jurisdiction. This aim is to strengthen the GCC’s collective capabilities in the face of rapid regional and international shifts and challenges.”
  
| | | HE GCCSG: The 9th Meeting of the Ministerial Preparatory Committee for the Economic and Development Affairs Authority Enhances GCC Efforts to Implement the Directives of the 19th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses the GCC Leaders | 2026 | | | | 5/13/2026 4:21 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/13/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 |
Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Interior of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states held an extraordinary meeting, chaired by His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and with the participation of His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, on Wednesday, 26 Dhul-Qi’dah 1447 H, corresponding to May 13, 2026, at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh.
HE the Secretary General stated that a number of topics were discussed and reviewed during the meeting, foremost among them the security situation in the region as a result of the ongoing events, and ways to strengthen joint GCC security coordination and cooperation to address the challenges resulting from the attacks against the GCC states, affirming that the security of the GCC states is indivisible.
His Excellency also said that Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers emphasised the importance of intensifying coordination between the ministries of interior and the relevant authorities in the GCC states, in light of the arrest of a number of cells linked to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, confronting all threats targeting the security and stability of the GCC states, addressing the repercussions and developments of the ongoing events, and combating all forms of terrorism.
HE the Secretary General added that Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers expressed their sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs, may Allah the Almighty have mercy on them, who lost their lives as a result of the aggressive operations against the GCC states, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
Furthermore, His Excellency also noted that Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers commended the significant and valuable efforts undertaken by the security authorities in the GCC states in uncovering and apprehending these cells, affirming that what has been achieved reflects the efficiency and vigilance of the GCC security authorities, as well as their high level of readiness in protecting the security and stability of the GCC states and confronting all threats to the safety of their societies.
| | | HE the GCCSG: Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Interior of the GCC States Held Their Extraordinary Meeting Today and Affirmed that the Security of the GCC States is Indivisible | 2026 | | | | 5/12/2026 8:06 AM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 5/12/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the Commerce Ministers of the GCC member states and the United Kingdom (UK) have commended the significant progress achieved in the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations between the two sides. They expressed their anticipation for concluding the negotiations in the near future, contributing to mutual interests and a unified vision for sustainable and promising economic growth.
This announcement followed a virtual meeting held today, Monday, May 11, 2026, between the GCC Commerce Ministers and their UK counterpart, with the participation of His Excellency the GCC Secretary General. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdulla bin Adel Fakhro, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Kingdom of Bahrain—President of the current session—and attended by Their Excellencies the Commerce Ministers of the GCC member states.
His Excellency further pointed out that the meeting addressed several key topics aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership. These included overcoming remaining obstacles and aligning viewpoints on all aspects related to the Free Trade Agreement in preparation for its signing in the near future.
| | | HE GCCSG: GCC and UK Commerce Ministers Commend Significant Progress in Free Trade Agreement Negotiations; Anticipate Conclusion in the Near Future | 2026 | | | | 5/12/2026 10:08 AM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 5/12/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), received His Excellency Mr Pekka Haavisto, the Personal Envoy of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General to the Republic of Sudan, today, Monday, May 11, 2026, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, several key topics were addressed, most notably a review of the latest developments in Sudan. They emphasised the importance of exerting all regional and international efforts aimed at supporting the path toward a comprehensive political solution in Sudan and alleviating the suffering of the brotherly Sudanese people.
| | | HE the GCCSG Receives the UN Secretary General’s Personal Envoy to Sudan | 2026 | | | | 5/12/2026 5:03 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/12/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the GCC represents a firm strategic pillar in facing rapid geopolitical shifts, exerting significant efforts to anticipate opportunities and address challenges.
This came during a lecture delivered by His Excellency the GCC Secretary General at the National Defense College (NDC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) today, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, via video conference. The session was attended by Major General Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi, Commandant of the College, along with faculty members and participants of the 13th National Defense Course.
At the outset of the lecture, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi praised the heroic and professional role performed by the UAE Armed Forces in intercepting hundreds of missiles, thousands of drones, and dozens of treacherous Iranian cruise missiles.
"This success reflects a high level of efficiency, readiness, and vigilance, underscoring the advanced training and superior professional competence of the UAE Armed Forces in protecting the state’s security, safeguarding its resources, and ensuring the safety of its territories and citizens under the wise leadership of His Highness Shaikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE," His Excellency stated.
During the lecture, His Excellency outlined four main pillars. First, the strategic importance of the GCC amid current geopolitical shifts, which can be elucidated through several aspects vital to both the GCC and the world at large, and are closely linked to the stability of global economies. He summarised these as global energy security, a vital geographical location, combating terrorism and extremism, and economic markets and investments.
Second, Gulf foreign policy and the building of strategic partnerships. "The GCC states have achieved significant milestones through strategic partnerships and dialogues that have solidified the Council's presence on the international stage and enhanced its relations with other countries and blocs. This has been realised through convening summits with various nations and economic groups, such as the Central Asian states, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations (UN). Additionally, significant dialogues and meetings at the foreign ministerial level have been held to deepen mutual understanding of international and regional issues, which are discussed annually on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. These engagements support the policies of GCC states toward issues of common interest and open new horizons for expanding the Council's interests across all fields and continents. Furthermore, free trade negotiations with various countries and blocs have been instrumental in advancing relations, paving the way for strategic partnerships and dialogues to enhance economic and commercial ties. These negotiations aim to establish a collective negotiating power that bolsters the GCC’s position and secures economic gains through a unified Gulf stance," His Excellency explained.
Thirdly, His Excellency highlighted the role of the GCC General Secretariat and the Council’s achievements in several sectors, most notably the GCC Interconnection Grid and the GCC Railway project. Fourth and finally, the lecture addressed the Council’s future vision and the primary challenges within the regional and international strategic environments.
Moreover, His Excellency underscored that Iran must respond to international calls to maintain regional security and stability, which is essential for reducing tensions and destabilising conflicts that serve the interests of no party. His Excellency called upon the international community to take a firm stance toward Iran and to deal seriously with its violations related to its nuclear and missile programmes, as well as its support for terrorist groups.
He further stressed the necessity for Iran to implement all relevant Security Council resolutions and to cooperate fully with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), commending the Agency’s pivotal role in the verification and monitoring of Iran's nuclear programme. "The most prominent current challenges include the egregious Iranian attacks on GCC states, the Iranian file, the enhancement of self-defense military capabilities, regional issues, and the strategic goal of economic diversification," His Excellency highlighted.
Besides, His Excellency highlighted key foreign policy achievements during the lecture, most notably the unwavering support for the issue of the three occupied islands belonging to the UAE, the liberation of the State of Kuwait, and the continuous support provided to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
"The GCC represents a firm strategic pillar in facing rapid geopolitical shifts," His Excellency highlighted, emphasising that integration and cooperation among member states are not merely an option but an absolute necessity dictated by the nature of the current stage. He further said that building international partnerships and bolstering a unified Gulf foreign policy constitute the optimal approach for addressing both opportunities and challenges within a global environment undergoing a redrawing of the balance of power.
At the conclusion of the lecture, His Excellency engaged in a Q&A session with the college students, addressing their inquiries regarding the journey and achievements of the GCC across all fields.
 
| | | During a Lecture to the UAE National Defense College Members, HE GCCSG Reaffirms the GCC States as Firm Strategic Pillar Amid Rapid Geopolitical Shifts; They Exert Significant Efforts to Anticipate Opportunities and Confront Challenges | 2026 | | | | 5/12/2026 6:22 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/12/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned in the strongest possible terms the infiltration of members from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) into Bubiyan Island in the State of Kuwait and their planning of hostile acts.
His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi pointed out that these hostile Iranian policies represent a direct threat to the security and stability of the region and constitute a systematic attempt to destabilise regional peace and undermine the foundations of collective security. He emphasised that such actions are in clear violation of the principles of international law, the United Nations (UN) Charter, and the principles of good neighbourliness.
Finally, His Excellency reaffirmed the full support of the GCC member states for the State of Kuwait in all measures it undertakes to maintain its security and stability, as well as the safety of its citizens and residents.
| | | HE GCCSG Condemns in the Strongest Terms the Infiltration of IRGC Members into Bubiyan Island & Their Planning of Hostile Acts; Affirms Full GCC Support for Kuwait’s Security and Stability Measures | 2026 | | | | 5/11/2026 4:27 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 5/11/2026 | Secretary General | | 5 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the ultimate objective of holding the Gulf Achievements Forum is to enhance awareness of the achievements that were never merely temporary accomplishments or economic indicators, but rather the result of an integrated Gulf system through which the founding leaders of the GCC, and Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, have sought over past and present decades, to transform challenges into opportunities through integration across all areas of joint Gulf action.
His Excellency affirmed that this has directly contributed to improving the quality of life of GCC citizens, enhancing their welfare and stability, and strengthening the standing of the GCC regionally and internationally.
This came during HE the Secretary General’s patronage and attendance of the Gulf Achievements Forum, which was organised by the General Secretariat of the GCC in cooperation with the Gulf Radio and Television Organisation (GRTO) on Monday (May 11, 2026) at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh. The forum was attended by a number of senior media officials from the GCC countries, specialists, and GCC students studying at universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In his speech, HE the Secretary General said: “The forum is being held as we prepare, in the coming days, to mark an occasion dear to our hearts, as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council since the launch of its blessed journey on May 25, 1981. On behalf of the employees of the General Secretariat of the GCC, as well as all its bodies, organisations and affiliated centres, we extend the highest congratulations and blessings to Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, in appreciation and gratitude for their continuous support, patronage and attention to joint Gulf action across all fields.”
Additionally, HE the Secretary General also stated that the rapid regional and international developments have proven that the strength of the GCC countries lies in their unity and cohesion, and that joint Gulf action is no longer merely a development option, but has become a strategic necessity imposed by the nature of the current phase, the requirements of regional security, global economic transformations, and the accelerating challenges witnessed by the world today.
“The GCC achievements reviewed today are a reflection of an ambitious strategic vision, continuous coordination and a firm political will among the GCC countries. Thanks to the visions of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, and the integration of their institutions, the GCC countries have been able to build a balanced Gulf model that combines the preservation of identity and values with openness to the world and keeping pace with modern transformations in the economy, technology and human development, His Excellency said.
He further expressed pride in the prominent achievements accomplished in the fields of political integration, military and security cooperation, economic integration, infrastructure, digital transformation, education, health, media, electricity interconnection, food security and other vital sectors that have contributed to enhancing the competitiveness of the GCC countries and consolidating their position as an influential regional and international hub.
His Excellency noted that one of the most distinctive features of the Gulf experience is that the GCC citizen has always been, and remains, the focus and ultimate objective of development, stressing that these achievements have had a direct impact on their lives through freedom of movement, employment, ownership, investment, education and healthcare across the GCC countries, embodying the true meaning of Gulf unity in its human and developmental dimensions.
Addressing the audience, His Excellency further said: “The future of the GCC is not measured only by the scale of the achievements made, but by our ability to build upon them and transform them into sustainable gains that meet the aspirations of our peoples and future generations. The next phase requires intensified joint Gulf efforts, strengthened integration across all fields, and the building of a Gulf economy capable of competing globally, thereby consolidating the position of the GCC countries as an influential global partner in shaping the economy of the future and sustainable development.”
In the same context, HE the Secretary General added that the Gulf Achievements Forum reaffirms the importance of documenting Gulf achievements, highlighting their developmental and civilisational impact, and enhancing community awareness of them, in a manner that contributes to consolidating the shared Gulf identity and deepening the sense of pride and belonging in this blessed journey.
He underlined that all at the General Secretariat of the GCC, in cooperation and coordination with the GCC countries, and based on the wise directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries, are continuing to work to support the journey of Gulf integration, strengthen joint initiatives and projects, and develop strategic partnerships in a manner that fulfils the aspirations of the GCC peoples and enhances the standing of the Cooperation Council as an effective regional system capable of shaping the future with confidence and competence.
Moreover, His Excellency also affirmed that the GCC countries are no longer merely a regional bloc united by geography and history, but have become a global strategic force where opportunities are created and models of development, prosperity, security and stability are built.
Concluding his speech, HE the Secretary General extended his thanks and appreciation to GCC university students present to attend this forum, stating that they are the true wealth of the GCC countries and the foundation of their present and future.
He addressed the attending students saying: “With your efforts, minds and ambitions, the journey of building, development and prosperity in our Gulf countries continues. Great hopes are placed on you to continue carrying the message of the GCC, consolidating the values of unity, integration and interconnection among the peoples of the GCC countries, and contributing with your ideas and creativity to shaping a brighter and more sustainable future for our homelands and peoples, under the generous support and patronage of Their Majesties and Highnesses the Leaders of the GCC countries.”
HE the Secretary General also renewed his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr Abdulrahman Al Hazza, President of the Gulf Radio and Television Organisation, and his team, as well as the employees of the General Secretariat, for their efforts in organising and ensuring the success of this forum, and to all participants and attendees. He prayed to Allah the Almighty to continue blessing the GCC countries with security, stability and prosperity, to protect its leaders and peoples, and to grant the blessed Gulf journey continued progress and prosperity.
  
| | | HE the GCCSG: Gulf Achievements Forum Aims to Highlight Achievements that Improved GCC Citizens’ Quality of Life and Strengthened the GCC’s Regional and International Standing | 2026 |
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