Al-Badawi: Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are deliberate criminal acts threatening regional security and stability

The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed in Manama on Sunday 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 the unequivocal condemnation of these brazen attacks and the rejection of the continued targeting of airports, civilian facilities, and energy installations, as well as the terrorization of civilians and endangerment of travelers and workers.

This came in a statement by Al-Budaiwi during the 168th session of the GCC Ministerial Council meeting, chaired by Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, and attended by the foreign ministers of the GCC member states.

At the outset of his speech, the Secretary-General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, for the care and attention he bestows upon the GCC’s progress, and for his directives that reflect a commitment to enhancing integration among the member states. He also expressed pride in the sincere efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Bahrain during its current presidency to strengthen integration, intensify coordination and consultation among the 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 emphasized that the persistence of these militias in 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.

In the same context, he added that the repeated Iranian attacks on GCC member states cannot be overlooked, as they constitute a blatant violation of their sovereignty and territorial integrity and pose a direct threat to their security and stability. Furthermore, he pointed to the 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 unequivocal condemnation of these attacks and unacceptable practices.

Al-Budaiwi stressed the necessity for Iran to adhere to the principles of international law and the UN Charter, and to fully implement 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, particularly 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 GCC member states, may God protect and guard them, had directed during their 19th consultative meeting held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, to establish important priorities to enhance integration among the member states, accelerate work on joint GCC projects, and develop their capacities to confront crises and address challenges, transforming them into opportunities. These efforts aim to raise the efficiency of the economies of GCC member states by consolidating logistical connectivity, the water linkage project, expanding electrical interconnection capacities, and strategic storage projects, along with other important topics, thereby fulfilling the aspirations of their peoples for development and prosperity.

He also affirmed that the General Secretariat has, during the past period and up to the present day, maintained close follow-up with the GCC member states, in addition to holding a number of meetings of the relevant ministerial and technical committees, tracking remaining steps and timelines, and building on the outcomes of meetings and workshops to complete the implementation of the high directives.

He praised the cooperation of the GCC member states and the efforts of their representatives in various committees and working groups, as well as the contributions they make to advance these files, noting that the GCC has been and remains a reliable international partner. He added that the General Secretariat, with the approval and directives of the member states, continues to expand the circle of regional and international partnerships and open new fields of cooperation in a manner that serves the interests of the GCC states and enhances their presence and influence on the international stage.

In the same context, the GCC Secretary-General mentioned that he had held a number of joint ministerial meetings with various countries and organizations, in addition to signing memoranda of understanding with the Italian Republic, the Portuguese Republic, and the Kingdom of Thailand, and signing the annex to the memorandum of understanding previously concluded with the World Customs Organization, to establish a framework paving the way for developing cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

He also noted that the Kingdom of Bahrain graciously hosted the first edition of the “Made in the Gulf 2026” Forum and Exhibition, which comes within the framework of joint Gulf efforts to enhance industrial integration among the GCC states, support the industrial economies of the GCC countries, and elevate 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 close to completion and signing, especially as we look forward, in cooperation with the GCC member states, to leveraging these achievements for the benefit of our countries and peoples.

He clarified that the General Secretariat draws strength from the directives of the leaders of the GCC states – may God protect and guard them – and from the trust and cooperation of our nations. He added that we will continue to discharge our 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.