During the 168th Ministerial Council meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Bahrain, foreign ministers from the member states strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s right to defend itself. The meeting highlighted the collective security concerns of the GCC countries in the face of escalating regional threats.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, emphasized that the security of Saudi Arabia is a vital component of the security framework of all GCC nations. He specifically denounced attacks that have targeted civilians, airports, and other civilian infrastructure, calling these actions violations of international law. His remarks underscored the shared regional commitment to safeguarding against such threats.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also voiced strong opposition to the Houthi attacks, warning that these actions pose a significant threat to regional security and stability. Albudaiwi called for international intervention to prevent further assaults and to hold accountable those responsible for such violations. He highlighted the broader implications of these attacks on regional peace.
The ministers at the meeting also addressed other pressing issues, including rising tensions in the region, developments in Yemen, and threats to the freedom of navigation in critical waterways such as the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and the Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi specifically condemned Iranian activities that have targeted GCC countries, stressing the importance of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The meeting set the stage for the ninth joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf-Russia Strategic Dialogue, where discussions focused on enhancing cooperation and exchanging perspectives on regional and international matters. This dialogue aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address common challenges in the region.