Manama: The joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the United States of America began today in Manama, Bahrain. The meeting's agenda addresses a number of important regional priorities, foremost among them the situation in the region and ways to enhance its security and stability; de-escalation and mediation efforts; support for Syria's unity, sovereignty, and stability; maintaining Lebanon's stability; and advancing peace efforts in the Gaza Strip through the Peace Council, contributing to achieving a just and comprehensive peace.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting was attended by Their Highnesses, Excellencies, and Highnesses the Foreign Ministers of the GCC states, Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, and Mr. Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the GCC. In his opening remarks, the Bahraini Foreign Minister, Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani and current chair of the Ministerial Council, emphasized that the region is passing through a pivotal stage. He stated that the attacks suffered by the region's countries, peoples, and institutions have presented them with a test they never hoped to face. However, he added, these attacks have simultaneously revealed the strength and resilience of these societies and the efficiency of their institutions and defense forces in protecting lives and preserving security and stability.
He said: "While the physical damage can be repaired, the effects of these attacks extend far beyond the infrastructure. Citizens of the GCC countries have experienced uncertainty, and the security and stability that have characterized our region have been subjected to unprecedented disruption." He emphasized that these circumstances have strengthened the GCC countries' resolve to ensure that such attacks do not become commonplace and to continue working with partners to consolidate the foundations of lasting peace, security, and stability for future generations.
He considered that, after these grave challenges, there is hope for the region in light of the diplomatic efforts that led to the cessation of hostilities through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, supported by the mediation efforts of Pakistan and Qatar, and the restoration of freedom and security of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He expressed the Sultanate of Oman's welcome of the establishment of a temporary maritime corridor for ships wishing to transit the Strait of Hormuz, and stressed that "despite the importance of this progress, it is essential that Iran fully adheres to all its commitments, including those stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding."
Al Zayani stated that, in addition to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and preserving freedom of navigation, achieving sustainable regional security requires a definitive end to missile and drone attacks, a halt to support for militias, and a cessation of interference in the sovereignty of states. He emphasized the importance of addressing the consequences of these attacks, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.
In his address, the Bahraini Foreign Minister reiterated that the security of the GCC states remains a fundamental and indivisible principle, and that any threat to the security of one member state is a threat to the security of the entire Council. He noted that this principle, enshrined in the Joint Defense Agreement, remains the cornerstone of the GCC's cooperation with its partners, foremost among them the United States. He expressed the GCC states' aspiration for a new chapter in the region based on respect for the sovereignty of states, adherence to international law, and the protection of international waterways, in partnership with the United States, thereby promoting peace, security, and prosperity.