Al-Badawi: GCC States Proved Their Ability to Face Challenges and Strengthen Economic Sustainability
Al-Badawi affirmed at the Gulf Gateway Forum 2026 in Manama, attended by the Bahraini Crown Prince, that GCC states showed unity against Iranian aggression, stressing the need for Iran to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 to ensure freedom of navigation.
Translated by Qiyas from الجريدة — Original source
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budawi, said on Sunday that the GCC member states have demonstrated, amid the exceptional developments and rapidly escalating security and economic challenges facing the region, their ability to handle crises efficiently and effectively, while maintaining the robustness of their economies and the sustainability of their development trajectory. This resilience is rooted in the wisdom and guidance of their leaders, as well as their shared sense of common destiny, integrated interests, and aligned positions.
His remarks came during Al-Budawi’s participation in the panel discussion titled “Reshaping Global Trade Routes and International Alliances,” held in Manama on the sidelines of the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the “Gulf Gateway 2026” Forum, under the patronage and attendance of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
He added that Iranian attacks targeting GCC member states imposed unprecedented challenges, with repercussions extending to the energy, transport, logistics, and supply chain sectors. Nevertheless, the GCC states displayed exceptional cohesion and a high capacity to contain the fallout from these attacks through coordinated efforts, enhancing the readiness of their institutions, and ensuring the continuity of economic activities and vital services.
Al-Budawi clarified that this experience has confirmed that GCC integration is no longer merely a developmental choice but has become a strategic necessity to safeguard national gains and strengthen collective crisis response capabilities.
He noted that during their 19th consultative meeting held in Jeddah last April, GCC leaders charted a clear course to enhance joint GCC action. Their directives called for accelerating the implementation of strategic and integrative projects, developing interconnection and transport networks and logistics services, strengthening ties in the energy and water sectors, and deepening defense and security cooperation and integration. These measures aim to elevate GCC readiness, bolster the member states’ capacity to confront future challenges, and protect their strategic interests.
He also emphasized that any threat to freedom of navigation in this international waterway does not merely affect regional states but extends its impact to the global economy as a whole. He stressed the necessity for the international community to compel Iran to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which affirms the guarantee of freedom of maritime navigation, the preservation of security in international waterways, and the prevention of using these waterways as a means of pressure, threat, or undermining global economic stability.
Al-Budawi pointed out that despite the scale of challenges faced, the GCC states are moving forward with confidence in implementing their development visions and strengthening their international partnerships. This confidence stems from a firm conviction that security, stability, and economic growth are interdependent pillars that cannot be separated. He expressed his hope that the outcomes of the “Gulf Gateway 2026” Forum would contribute to shaping distinctive economic and investment partnerships that support sustainable growth.
He noted that hosting this forum under current circumstances carries special significance and reflects confidence in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ability to continue its role in the economy and consolidate its position as a reliable destination for investment and business.
