GCC Chief Jassem Al-Budaiwi Highlights Unity And Economic Progress At 46th Summit

Jassem Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasised the unity among GCC States during the 46th Summit held in Bahrain. He highlighted recent incidents involving Qatar, such as Iranian missile attacks and Israeli aggression, labelling them as clear violations of sovereignty and international laws. These events, he noted, underscore the strong bond between GCC nations, all of which rallied to support Qatar's security and sovereignty.

Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's steadfast position on the Palestinian issue, advocating for an end to occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State with East Jerusalem as its capital. He praised Saudi Arabia's efforts in promoting a two-state solution and welcomed outcomes from the International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine in New York.

The Secretary-General commended Saudi Arabia for its role in gathering support for peace initiatives. He also acknowledged results from the Sharm El-Sheikh Summit and an agreement signed by Qatar, Egypt, Türkiye, and the US. This agreement underscores adherence to ceasefire terms. Al-Budaiwi praised GCC policies as exemplary models of regional cooperation, combining political stability with economic growth and security collaboration.

Highlighting military cooperation, Al-Budaiwi mentioned joint exercises and committee meetings addressing Israeli aggression towards Qatar. He also discussed economic integration achievements in aviation, industrialisation, commerce, anti-corruption measures, and humanitarian resolutions within the GCC bloc.

Advancements in security cooperation were also addressed by Al-Budaiwi. He mentioned strategies against money laundering and preparations for an international Gulf security conference in the UAE. Additionally, he noted a mobilisation exercise hosted by Qatar and progress on a single point project.

Al-Budaiwi listed significant achievements for 2025, including successful international summits like the Gulf-US summit in Riyadh, GCC-ASEAN summit, trilateral summit with China, various ministerial meetings, and memorandums of understanding (MoUs).

Concluding his address at the Summit's opening session, Al-Budaiwi stated that recommendations from the preparatory ministerial council were submitted to ensure ongoing stability and prosperity for GCC states. He expressed wishes for continued peace and success among member nations.

With inputs from WAM