Al-Badawi: Establishing a Stable and Sustainable Regional Security System Requires Strict Adherence to International Law

Manama (Agencies): The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Mohamed Al-Bedaiwi, affirmed that establishing a stable and sustainable regional security architecture requires strict adherence to the principles of international law, respect for state sovereignty, strengthening joint defense systems, prioritizing diplomatic channels, safeguarding the security of waterways and energy supplies, and fostering development and international partnerships. He stressed that the security of GCC member states is indivisible and that stability in the Arabian Gulf region constitutes a fundamental pillar of international peace and security.

The GCC Secretariat General stated yesterday that these remarks were made during Al-Bedaiwi’s participation in the third plenary session, titled “Pillars of Regional Security,” held on the sidelines of the 22nd Regional Security Dialogue, “Manama 2026,” in the Bahraini capital, Manama.

Al-Bedaiwi explained that developments in the region since February 28 have placed the foundations of regional security under a severe test, following Iranian attacks targeting GCC states and their civilian and vital facilities, which resulted in casualties. He noted that despite GCC states not being parties to the conflict nor seeking it, they exerted intensive diplomatic efforts to mediate and contain the escalation, demonstrating the highest levels of restraint.

He pointed out that the repercussions of these attacks extended beyond the region to the global economy, due to disruptions in navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade passed prior to the crisis. This had a direct impact on energy prices, shipping and insurance costs, and international supply chains.

On a separate note, Al-Bedaiwi stated that Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia represent a serious escalation that cannot be accepted or tolerated. He expressed his strong condemnation of the repeated Houthi attacks on the Kingdom since July last year, which extended to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, considering these attacks a grave violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and an affront to the feelings of Muslims worldwide.

For his part, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that any new escalation in the war between the United States and Iran could lead to further destruction, expressing deep concern over the serious consequences that might follow. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue, Abdelatty said the next round would be more dangerous and destructive, yielding no results, and emphasized the need to draw lessons from the past. The Foreign Minister stressed Egypt’s firm rejection and condemnation of attacks on Gulf states, affirming that Gulf security is an integral part of Egyptian security.