Bahraini foreign minister: Agreement to accelerate implementation of joint Gulf-Russian action plan and enhance cooperation

Manama, October 18 (KUNA) -- Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani said on Sunday that the Gulf and Russian sides agreed to accelerate the implementation of the joint action plan for the period (2023-2028) in the fields of energy, transport, food security, investment, and culture, alongside discussing the repercussions of Iranian attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and a number of regional and international issues.

This came during a press conference held by Al Zayani with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al Bin Ali, on the occasion of the ninth ministerial meeting of the strategic dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Al Zayani clarified that the talks discussed the repercussions of Iranian attacks on GCC countries, the disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab, the attack on commercial ships, and the impact of these actions on regional security, the smooth flow of international trade, and energy and food supplies.

He added that the Russian minister was briefed on the GCC’s position regarding Resolution 2817 (2026), describing it as an international obligation that must be implemented, and affirmed that the right of transit passage is guaranteed under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and is not subject to permission or restrictions.

He stated that the Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which targeted civilian objects, economic facilities, and civilian airports, causing deaths, injuries, and property losses, were discussed. He emphasized that GCC countries stand united with Saudi Arabia.

Al Zayani also condemned the attacks and threats against commercial navigation in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab, stressing the full implementation of the arms embargo under Resolution 2216.

He added that the two sides discussed developments regarding the Palestinian issue and efforts to stabilize the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

He noted that current international developments and efforts to resolve conflicts through dialogue and diplomatic solutions, including the Ukrainian crisis, were discussed in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.

Al Zayani stated that the Kingdom of Bahrain and GCC countries have been subjected to Iranian attacks targeting civilian objects, infrastructure, and economic facilities, in violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the principles of good neighborliness.

For his part, the Russian Foreign Minister expressed his country’s pride in the existing partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain and GCC countries, emphasizing the commitment to continue enhancing joint cooperation in various fields that serve mutual interests and build upon the understandings reached during previous Gulf-Russian summits.

Lavrov pointed out the importance of developing economic and trade relations and enhancing cooperation in the fields of transport, agriculture, education, tourism, and culture, noting the growth in trade exchanges between Russia and GCC countries last year and the importance of joint government committees and the joint action plan for the period (2023-2028) in pushing cooperation avenues to broader horizons.

He clarified that the meeting, which coincides with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the strategic dialogue framework, addressed ways to develop Gulf-Russian relations, as well as discussing current regional and international developments and enhancing coordination and consultation in multilateral forums, including the United Nations, on issues of common interest.

He also mentioned discussions on developments in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and Sudan, emphasizing the importance of reaching political and diplomatic solutions to existing crises, and pointing to the agreement to continue joint work and enhance consultation on regional issues.

He clarified that the next ministerial meeting of the Strategic Dialogue will be held in the Russian Federation next year, in cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which will assume the chairmanship of the upcoming session. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for its excellent preparation and organization of the meeting, and for its ongoing attention and follow-up to the work of the GCC Ministerial Council. Al-Badawi stated that since the first joint GCC-Russia Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting on November 1, 2011, up to today’s ninth meeting, both sides have sought to enhance and develop their relations, coordinate their positions on international and regional issues, and strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He added that during this period, a memorandum of understanding on the Strategic Dialogue was signed to organize the dialogue mechanism between the two sides. He noted that the sixth joint Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting approved the Joint Action Plan for the period 2023–2028, which covers cooperation in the fields of political dialogue, trade, investment, energy, environment, health, culture, sports, education, information, and agriculture. He pointed out that relevant technical teams from both sides are working on consultations and cooperation to activate the areas of the Joint Action Plan and maximize its benefits, adding that there are several economic and investment proposals that will enhance economic cooperation between the GCC member states and the Russian Federation. He emphasized that, given the current circumstances, the meeting represents an important platform for the transparent and clear exchange of views on the most prominent issues of mutual interest and for exploring ways to strengthen cooperation across various fields in a manner that serves shared interests. (End) K.N.A./M.A.H.A.