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.
