His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), commended the European Union (EU)'s supportive stance towards the GCC states regarding Iranian aggression, which constitutes a direct threat to regional and international security, stressing that the Gulf security is a fundamental pillar for the stability of the global economy and that the GCC-European partnership is a strategic necessity.
This came during HE the Secretary General’s briefing to members of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by His Excellency Mr David McAllister, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday (April 15, 2026) at the European Parliament headquarters in Brussels.
At the beginning of the briefing, HE the Chairman of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs welcomed HE the Secretary General of the GCC, noting the importance of this meeting in updating the Committee members on the latest developments in the region and on GCC-European relations. He also emphasised the European Parliament's keenness to develop its relations with the GCC countries.
HE the Secretary General began his briefing by stressing that this important meeting comes at a highly sensitive time regionally and internationally, reflecting the importance of parliamentary dialogue as a cornerstone of the partnership between the GCC and the EU.
He expressed his sincere appreciation for the kind invitation extended by the Chairman of the Committee to provide this briefing at the European Parliament, while also commending Ms Roberta Metsola's leadership in promoting the European Parliament's engagement with the GCC region and her commitment to supporting dialogue and strengthening relations.
HE the Secretary General also expressed his gratitude to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Delegation for Relations with the Arabian Peninsula for their ongoing communication with GCC representatives and their continued support for relations between the two sides, pointing out that the Gulf region is going through a critical phase, as the ongoing Iranian escalation and aggression pose a direct threat to regional and international security and stability, and a serious challenge to international law and Security Council resolutions.
His Excellency further explained: “This is evident in the Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, despite clear assurances from the GCC states that they would not allow their territories to be used for any military operations against Iran. These attacks targeted civilian and economic facilities in GCC countries, resulting in casualties and injuries, and causing serious damage to the foundations of regional and international security and stability.”
Moreover, HE the Secretary General stressed that the GCC countries strongly condemns this aggression against its member states, affirming that these violations, if not addressed firmly and responsibly, could have long-term repercussions lasting for decades.
“We call on the international community to play a stronger and more effective role in supporting stability and de-escalation, and we stress the need for the UN Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities in maintaining international peace and security,” he stated while also expressing the GCC's appreciation for the joint European support for the adoption of Security Council Resolution 2817 and Human Rights Council Resolution L.38.
Additionally, HE the Secretary General noted that these brutal attacks have resulted in serious humanitarian, environmental, and economic consequences, explaining that many children and students in the GCC countries have been deprived of basic education since the beginning of these attacks, while many projects have been halted, impacting the most vulnerable groups, including migrant workers who are the breadwinners for their families.
Meanwhile, His Excellency commended the EU's stance in condemning these attacks and its swift response through holding several Gulf-European meetings to exchange views on the escalation, in addition to providing the necessary technical defence support, affirming that this reflects a convergence of views on the importance of multilateral action and respect for international law.
Elaborating further, His Excellency said: “The Strait of Hormuz must remain an open and secure international waterway, free from threats or restrictions. Any attempt to impose a new reality by force or to use it as a tool of political or economic pressure is unacceptable and condemned regionally and internationally, in accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
He continued: “The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global agriculture, affecting approximately 30% of global fertiliser production, which could have serious future repercussions for global markets, while Energy supplies and trade chains have also been affected, with repercussions felt worldwide.”
His Excellency stressed that the relationship between the GCC and the EU, spanning more than 38 years, is growing in importance amidst current global challenges.
"Strengthening these ties is no longer merely a political choice, but a strategic imperative necessitated by the nature of shared challenges," His Excellency said, lauding the distinguished level of working ties between the two sides. Besides, he highlighted his recent meeting with Ms Kaja Kallas, which reflected three fundamental realities: first, the existence of shared positions on numerous regional and international issues; second, the importance and success of the ongoing dialogue; and third, that relations have reached a level of maturity that requires transitioning toward deeper practical and institutional coordination to achieve a genuine strategic partnership across various sectors, including digital transformation, critical infrastructure, telecommunications and artificial intelligence.
HE the Secretary General explained that strengthening political and security communication serves as a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges, including the commitment to international law, the rule of law, justice and equality, and the fulfillment of the aspirations of peoples for security, stability, and economic prosperity.
"The GCC is anticipating holding the Second GCC-EU Summit, which would contribute to elevating links to broader horizons," His Excellency added, expressing his hope that it would yield tangible results given its positive impact on economic, commercial and cultural exchange.
Furthermore, His Excellency also reviewed a number of areas in which the GCC seeks to achieve tangible results, including energy exports through power grid interconnection, the export of clean hydrogen to EU member states, as well as the enhancement of logistics connectivity through railway networks and airports, in addition to bolstering digital connectivity between the two sides.
Additionally, His Excellency emphasised that security represents the fundamental pillar of development, necessitating enhanced cooperation between the GCC and the EU to support peace initiatives and achieve stability.
He also highlighted the significance of the parliamentary role, asserting that the European Parliament’s function is not limited to legislation, but extends to being an influential political actor in shaping European policy directions, particularly in light of complex challenges.
In this context, His Excellency expressed the GCC's aspiration to elevate parliamentary cooperation between the two sides, pointing out that a proposal was shared last week with the European Parliament to establish a parliamentary cooperation mechanism between the GCC legislative bodies and the European Parliament, in preparation for its signature at the earliest opportunity.
"This mechanism aims to bolster consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, develop legislative cooperation, build sustainable institutional capacities, and enhance the role of parliaments in supporting peace and sustainable development," His Excellency explained.
In another context, HE the Secretary General underscored that the stability of the Gulf region is not limited in its impact to regional security, but extends to global stability, including the global economy, supply chains, and energy security.
He pointed out that the GCC member states have proven their ability to maintain their internal stability and continue their role as a significant economic and developmental hub despite current challenges, embodying the strength and sustainability of their institutions, and the effectiveness of their policies.
In conclusion of his briefing, HE the Secretary General affirmed that the GCC remains a reliable and responsible partner on both the regional and international levels, reaffirming the Council's commitment to enhancing regional and international stability, and emphasising that cooperation and coordination with the EU, supported by the European Parliament, represent a fundamental pillar for addressing current challenges.
He expressed his anticipation for the continuation of this constructive dialogue and the strengthening of cooperation to serve mutual interests and contribute to building a more stable and prosperous future.