GCC Secretary-General: The Strait of Hormuz must not be turned into a bargaining chip
Riyadh - 18 - 9 (KUNA) -- Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), condemned the continuation of Iranian aggression against neighboring countries and the resulting escalation and chaos in the region, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz must not be turned into a bargaining chip.
The GCC Secretariat-General stated in a statement issued on Friday that these remarks were made in a speech delivered by Al-Budaiwi during his participation in the Gulf States Forum at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, USA, on Thursday. In his address, he outlined the Council’s journey, its regional and international roles, and the prospects for strengthening the Gulf-US partnership in education, scientific research, and the economy.
Al-Budaiwi called on the international community to assume its responsibilities to restore stability and ensure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international navigation in accordance with international law, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemned Iranian aggression and attempts to obstruct international shipping.
Regarding energy security, Al-Budaiwi affirmed that GCC member states have demonstrated their ability to fulfill their obligations even under the most difficult circumstances. He noted that they have responded to regional escalation and disruptions in navigation through the Strait of Hormuz with restraint and responsibility, while continuing efforts to maintain the flow of supplies via alternative routes.
In this regard, he pointed to the East-West Pipeline and the ports on the Red Sea coast in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Fujairah Port in the United Arab Emirates, and Duqm Port in the Sultanate of Oman.
Al-Budaiwi stressed that GCC member states have solidified their position as a reliable partner in supporting peace and stability and ensuring global energy security. He noted that their economic progress and diplomatic presence reflect an approach based on assuming responsibility, building partnerships, and working to extend the benefits of stability and prosperity to the peoples of the region and the world.
He explained that, 45 years after its establishment, the GCC has become one of the influential regional organizations, emphasizing that integration and solidarity among its members form the foundation of its work and positions.
In this context, he highlighted the efforts of GCC member states in supporting reconstruction and power interconnection with Iraq, contributing to the stabilization and rebuilding of Syria, supporting de-escalation and the political track, and providing humanitarian aid to the Yemeni people, in addition to supporting the Lebanese state and its institutions.
He reaffirmed the Council’s steadfast position on the Palestinian issue, which is based on providing relief to civilians, rejecting displacement, and supporting a just settlement based on the two-state solution.
On the diplomatic front, Al-Budaiwi outlined the Gulf mediation efforts to bridge differences and facilitate dialogue tracks. He praised the mediation efforts of the United Arab Emirates in the exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine and its hosting of direct talks, as well as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s hosting of dialogue rounds in Jeddah and Riyadh.
He also pointed to Gulf initiatives to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan, and to the role of Qatar and Oman in keeping communication channels open during the confrontation between Iran and the United States, seeking fair solutions that address legitimate security concerns and spare the peoples of the region further suffering.
On the economic front, he explained that GCC member states are undergoing rapid transformation driven by their national visions, through diversifying revenue sources and expanding sectors such as finance, logistics, industry, tourism, and technology.
He noted that the combined economy of GCC member states exceeds $2.4 trillion, with projections to reach approximately $6 trillion by 2050, while their sovereign wealth funds manage assets close to $5 trillion, reinforcing their role in financing long-term investments and supporting economic growth.
He affirmed that the Gulf-US partnership offers broad prospects for building a knowledge-based economy, particularly in artificial intelligence research, medical sciences, and clean energy, noting that American universities, including the University of Utah, represent an important partner in developing human capital and expanding scientific cooperation.
He stressed that investing in minds and building human capabilities is among the most impactful investments for the future of relations between the two sides.
During his speech, Al-Budaiwi recalled his academic experience at the University of Utah, where he graduated in 1991, expressing his pride in its contribution to his scientific and humanistic formation.
He also recalled the solidarity shown by university professors and the residents of Salt Lake City toward Kuwaiti students during the Iraqi invasion of the State of Kuwait in 1990, expressing his appreciation for the position of the United States and the international coalition in liberating Kuwait.
He concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of expanding bridges of communication between GCC member states and the world through increased student exchange, research cooperation, and enhanced mutual understanding, noting that peace and prosperity are entrenched when their fruits are shared by all.
(End) K N S / M A A
