His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underlined that the GCC General Secretariat, in coordination with member states, continues its relentless efforts to implement the directives of the Leaders of GCC member states to bolster Gulf integration projects and cement member states' capacities to tackle challenges and achieve development and prosperity.
His Excellency's remarks came during the convening of the 168th GCC Ministerial Council meeting today, Sunday (October 18, 2026), in the Bahraini capital, Manama, under the chairmanship of His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council, in the presence of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the GCC member states.
At the outset of his address, His Excellency the Secretary General conveyed his profound thanks and deep 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 His Majesty’s care and attention devoted to the Council’s journey, and for the commitment to bolstering integration among member states embodied in His Majesty's directives. He highlighted the pride in the sincere efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain during its presidency of the current session to advance GCC integration, intensify coordination and consultation among member states, and propel forward the priorities of joint action, reflecting its wise leadership's dedication to solidifying the GCC’s standing, safeguarding its achievements, and enhancing its capacity to address challenges and serve the interests of its states and peoples.
His Excellency also extended his thanks and appreciation to His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani for the excellent preparation and organisation of this meeting, and for his valued efforts, care, and follow-up on the work of the Ministerial Council, his keenness to coordinate Gulf positions, and his continuous liaison with the General Secretariat to discuss joint Gulf action files.
During his address, His Excellency stressed that the heinous assaults committed by the terrorist Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia confront us with deliberate criminal conduct that disregards the sanctity of human life, the safety of civilian facilities, and the consequences of escalation on regional security and stability. He reiterated the GCC's categorical condemnation of these blatant assaults, rejecting the continued targeting of airports, civilian facilities, and energy infrastructure, as well as terrorising residents and endangering travellers and workers.
His Excellency affirmed that this militia’s persistence in repeating its crimes necessitates impactful international action to halt its attacks, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent its threats to security and stability. His Excellency expressed his sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the martyrs and victims of these attacks, praying to Allah the Almighty to bestow His vast mercy upon the martyrs and the deceased, and to grant the injured a swift recovery.
"The repeated Iranian attacks to which GCC member states have been subjected cannot be overlooked, as they represent a flagrant violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a direct threat to their security and stability. This is in addition to the dangerous and ongoing Iranian practices targeting the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and its attempts to exploit this vital international waterway as a tool for pressure and intimidation, exposing international trade and global energy supplies to grave risks," His Excellency stated.
While reiterating the categorical condemnation of these unacceptable attacks and practices, His Excellency asserted the necessity of Iran’s adherence to the principles of international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter, the full implementation of UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2817, and ensuring freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz without restrictions or threats.
He underscored the responsibility of the international community, foremost the Security Council, to adopt a firm stance that guarantees the protection of the region's security and stability and safeguards international maritime corridors from any practices threatening regional and international peace and security.
Furthermore, His Excellency explained that Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, had directed, during their 19th Consultative Meeting held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, that key priorities be established to advance integration among the GCC states, accelerate work on joint GCC projects, and strengthen their ability to confront crises, navigate challenges and transform them into opportunities.
He further explained that these efforts aim to enhance the efficiency of the GCC economies through strengthening logistical connectivity, advancing the water interconnection project, expanding electricity interconnection capacity, and developing strategic storage projects, alongside other important initiatives in order to fulfil the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.
"Throughout the past period and up to the present day, the General Secretariat has maintained close follow-up and coordination with the GCC states, in addition to convening a number of meetings of the relevant ministerial and technical committees concerned with these matters, monitoring the remaining steps and implementation timelines, and building on the outcomes of meetings and workshops to ensure the full implementation of the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses," His Excellency added.
His Excellency also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation of the GCC states and the endeavours of their representatives across various committees and working groups, as well as their contributions to promoting these initiatives. He stressed that the GCC has been, and continues to be, a trusted international partner, with the General Secretariat, under the guidance and with the support of the GCC member states, continuing to expand regional and international partnerships and open new avenues for cooperation, in a manner that serves the interests of the GCC states and strengthens their presence and influence on the international stage.
In this regard, His Excellency the Secretary General stated that a number of joint ministerial meetings had been held with various countries and organisations, in addition to the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Italian Republic, the Portuguese Republic and the Kingdom of Thailand. An addendum to the previously signed MoU with the World Customs Organisation was also signed, establishing a framework to further develop cooperation in areas of common interest.
His Excellency also noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain hosted the inaugural edition of the "Made in GCC 2026" Forum and Exhibition, as part of joint GCC efforts to bolster industrial integration among the member states, support the GCC industrial economy, and reinforce the competitiveness of Gulf industries in regional and global markets.
With regard to Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), His Excellency the Secretary General highlighted the signing of the joint statement announcing the successful conclusion of negotiations on the FTA between the GCC and the United Kingdom, describing it as a significant milestone in relations between the two sides. He pointed out that Dr Raja Almarzoqi would shortly provide a briefing on the signing, as well as on the progress of planned free trade agreements with a number of countries, some of which are approaching completion and signature. His Excellency also expressed his aspiration to build on these achievements, in cooperation with the GCC states, to deliver benefits for their countries and peoples.
In conclusion, His Excellency the Secretary General explained that the General Secretariat draws its strength from the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, and from the trust and cooperation of the member states. He affirmed that the General Secretariat would continue to fulfil its responsibilities with a deep appreciation of the value of this trust and the scale of the expectations that GCC citizens place on the esteemed 168th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council.
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