His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the 1st Euro-Gulf Geopolitical and Investment Summit, organised by the Atlantic Council, today, Saturday, May 16, 2026, in the Republic of Greece.
The summit was attended by several leaders and heads of state from the European Union (EU), with the high-level participation of His Highness the Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait, His Highness the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, the National Security Advisor and Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Diplomatic Advisor to the UAE President, and the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, alongside senior officials from various countries worldwide.
"The summit underscores the significance of enhancing regional and international cooperation, as well as exchanging visions, expertise, and perspectives to bolster security and stability regionally and globally. It also serves to strengthen political and economic cooperation between GCC states and Europe, particularly as both sides seek to advance Gulf-European relations toward broader horizons," His Excellency explained.
During his participation in the summit's sessions, His Excellency highlighted several key realities, pointing out that the impact of conflicts has extended to energy security, maritime navigation, and infrastructure. He emphasised that the security and stability of the Gulf is a shared international interest rather than merely a regional matter.
"The GCC states are no longer just energy suppliers; they have transformed into global investors, infrastructure partners, and logistical and technological hubs, particularly in the fields of electrical interconnection, hydrogen, renewable energy, and low-emission technologies," His Excellency said.
His Excellency also stated that even prior to the outbreak of crises, the GCC states had underlined the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in maintaining security and stability, protecting navigation and supply chains, and ensuring the stability of global energy markets.
"The GCC member states have advocated for a comprehensive approach based on respecting state sovereignty, de-escalating tensions, and fostering regional and international dialogue to achieve sustainable stability," His Excellency underscored.
In the context of regional and global security challenges, His Excellency mentioned that confronting these hurdles requires broader international cooperation, strategic partnerships, and the exchange of expertise and information. He emphasised the necessity of adhering to international law, respecting state sovereignty, and ensuring the responsible use of modern technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
"The GCC countries are moving forward with investing in modern technologies to enhance security and stability by developing cyber capabilities, strengthening digital security, and utilising AI in defense, early warning systems, and infrastructure protection, alongside supporting innovation and building national capacities," His Excellency added.
His Excellency also indicated that security is no longer solely military; it has evolved to encompass developmental, technological, economic, and human dimensions.
"In this regard, the GCC states continue to work with their regional and international partners to foster security and stability and build a more sustainable and prosperous future," His Excellency said, underscoring the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the GCC and the EU, particularly in maritime security, cybersecurity, infrastructure protection, and countering cross-border threats, while praising the landmark GCC-EU Regional Security Dialogue held in 2024.
