During the recent 168th Ministerial Council meeting in Bahrain, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, reiterating the Kingdom’s right to self-defense. The meeting underscored the collective security concerns of the GCC states, emphasizing that any threat to Saudi Arabia’s security is a concern for the entire region.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, noting that attacks targeting civilians, airports, and infrastructure represent violations of international law. He emphasized that the Kingdom’s security is integral to the security of all GCC member states, reinforcing a united front against aggression.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the risks posed by continued assaults on civilian infrastructure, which threaten regional stability. He urged for international intervention to halt the attacks and hold those responsible accountable, stressing the broader implications for regional security.
The ministers also engaged in discussions on escalating regional tensions, particularly in Yemen, and the threats to navigation in strategic waterways such as the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi criticized Iranian attacks against GCC countries and highlighted the need for respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following the GCC meeting, the ninth joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf-Russia Strategic Dialogue took place, focusing on strengthening bilateral cooperation and exchanging perspectives on pressing regional and international issues.
