GCC Secretary General: We Are Capable of Facing Challenges and Strengthening the Resilience and Sustainable Development of Our Economies

Manama -- Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi said on Sunday that the GCC states have demonstrated, amid the region’s exceptional developments and rapidly escalating security and economic challenges, their ability to handle crises efficiently and effectively, preserve the robustness of their economies, and sustain their development trajectory. This success is rooted in the wisdom and guidance of their leaders, as well as the shared destiny, integrated interests, and aligned positions that unite them.

Al-Budaiwi made these remarks while participating in the panel discussion “Re-shaping 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 Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

He added that Iranian attacks targeting GCC 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-Budaiwi emphasized that this experience confirmed that Gulf integration is no longer merely a developmental choice but has become a strategic necessity to safeguard national gains and strengthen collective capacity to confront crises. He noted that during their 19th consultative meeting held in Jeddah in April last year, GCC leaders charted a clear path to enhance joint Gulf action by directing the acceleration of the implementation of strategic and integrative projects, developing connectivity, transport, and logistics systems, strengthening interlinkages in the energy and water sectors, and deepening defense and security cooperation and integration. These measures aim to elevate Gulf readiness, enhance the GCC states’ ability to face future challenges, and protect their strategic interests.

Regarding maritime security, Al-Budaiwi stressed that the Strait of Hormuz constitutes a vital artery for the global economy. Ensuring its security and the safety of navigation through it is not solely the responsibility of the GCC states but a shared international responsibility, given its critical importance to energy flows, international trade movements, and global market stability. He further emphasized that any threat to freedom of navigation in this international waterway does not only affect the region but extends its repercussions to the global economy as a whole. He underscored the necessity for the international community to compel Iran to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817 (2026), which affirms the guarantee of freedom of maritime navigation, the preservation of the security of international waterways, and the prevention of the use of these waterways as a means of pressure, threat, or undermining global economic stability.

Al-Budaiwi 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, driven by 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. (End) K.N.A. / M.K.