GCC Secretary-General: Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Are Deliberate Criminal Acts Threatening Regional Security and Stability

Manama, October 18 (KUNA) -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassem Al-Bedaiwi affirmed in Manama today that the heinous attacks carried out by the Houthi terrorist militias against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia place us before a deliberate criminal behavior that disregards the sanctity of human life, the safety of civilian facilities, and the consequences of escalation on the security and stability of the region. He reiterated a firm condemnation of these brazen attacks and rejected the continued targeting of airports, civilian facilities, and energy installations, as well as the terrorization of residents and endangerment of travelers and workers.

This statement was made by Al-Bedaiwi during the 168th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, chaired by Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and attended by the foreign ministers of GCC member states, including Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Jaraah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah.

At the outset of his speech, the Secretary-General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to the Bahraini monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, for his patronage and attention to the GCC’s progress, noting that the King’s directives reflect a commitment to enhancing integration among member states. He expressed pride in the sincere efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain during its current presidency to strengthen integration, intensify coordination and consultation among member states, and advance the priorities of joint work, thereby underscoring the determination to consolidate the GCC’s standing, safeguard its achievements, and enhance its capacity to address challenges and serve the interests of its member states and peoples.

He affirmed that the GCC Secretariat-General, in coordination with member states, continues its vigorous efforts to implement the directives of the GCC Heads of State, praying for their protection and well-being, to enhance GCC integration projects and the member states’ capabilities to confront challenges and achieve development and prosperity.

He stressed that the insistence of these militias on repeating their crimes necessitates an effective international response to halt their attacks, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent their threats to security and stability. He expressed his sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of martyrs and victims of the Houthi terrorist attacks, and prayed to God Almighty to envelop the martyrs and the deceased in His vast mercy, and to grant the injured swift recovery.

In the same context, he added that it is impossible to overlook the repeated Iranian attacks on GCC member states, which constitute a blatant violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity and a direct threat to their security and stability. He also highlighted dangerous and ongoing Iranian practices targeting the security and safety of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and attempts to exploit this vital international waterway as a tool for pressure and threats, thereby exposing international trade and global energy supplies to serious risks. He reiterated his firm condemnation of these attacks and unacceptable practices.

Al-Bedaiwi stressed the necessity of Iran’s commitment to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2817, ensuring freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz without any restrictions or threats. He emphasized the responsibility of the international community, led by the Security Council, to take a firm stance that ensures the protection of the region’s security and stability, and safeguards international sea lanes from any practices that threaten regional and international peace and security.

He noted that the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, may God preserve and protect them, during their 19th consultative meeting held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, directed the establishment of key priorities to enhance integration among GCC states, accelerate work on joint Gulf projects, and develop their capacity to confront crises, manage challenges, and transform them into opportunities. These efforts aim to boost the efficiency of GCC economies by solidifying logistical connectivity, the water interconnection project, expanding electrical interconnection capacities, and strategic storage projects, alongside other important issues that fulfill the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.

He further emphasized that the General Secretariat has, during the recent period up to the present, closely followed up with GCC member states, convened several meetings of the relevant ministerial and technical committees, monitored remaining steps and timelines, and built upon the outcomes of meetings and workshops to ensure the full implementation of the high directives. He commended the cooperation of GCC member states and the efforts of their representatives across various committees and working groups, highlighting their contributions to advancing these files. He affirmed that the GCC has been and remains a reliable international partner, with the General Secretariat, under the approval and guidance of the member states, continuing to expand regional and international partnerships and open new areas of cooperation that serve the interests of the GCC states and strengthen their presence and influence on the international stage.

In the same context, the GCC Secretary-General mentioned that he had held several joint ministerial meetings with various countries and organizations, as well as signed memoranda of understanding with the Italian Republic, the Portuguese Republic, and the Kingdom of Thailand. He also signed an annex to the previously concluded memorandum of understanding with the World Customs Organization, establishing a framework to pave the way for enhanced cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Additionally, the Kingdom of Bahrain graciously hosted the inaugural edition of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition, which aligns with joint Gulf efforts to strengthen industrial integration among GCC states, support the industrial economies of the GCC, and enhance the competitiveness of Gulf industries in regional and global markets.

Regarding free trade agreements, a joint statement was signed announcing the successful conclusion of negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement between the GCC and the United Kingdom, marking a qualitative leap in relations between the two sides. He pointed out that Dr. Raja Al-Marzouqi will shortly provide a briefing on this signing, as well as on the planned free trade agreement tracks with several countries, some of which are nearing completion and signature. He expressed hope that, in cooperation with GCC member states, these achievements will be leveraged to benefit our countries and peoples.

He clarified that the General Secretariat derives the strength of its work from the directives of the GCC leaders—may God preserve and protect them—and from the trust and cooperation of our nations. He affirmed that they will continue to discharge their responsibilities with a spirit that recognizes the value of this trust and the expectations of the Gulf citizen from the 168th meeting of the esteemed GCC Ministerial Council. (End) K.N.A / N.S.A