New york: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi emphasized that the treacherous Iranian attacks on GCC states and the Houthi group's threat to close the Bab Al-Mandab Strait constitute actions warranting immediate accountability and a firm international stance that ensures respect for the rules of international law, guarantees the freedom of navigation, and protects critical infrastructure associated with energy and natural resources.
According to Saudi Press Agency, these remarks came during the secretary general's speech at the United Nations (UN) Security Council High-Level Open Debate titled 'Natural Resource Governance: A Foundation for Peace, Security, and Prosperity', today, in the State of New York, United States of America.
"The session's topic is gaining increasing significance in light of the major challenges facing the international community," Albudaiwi stated. He further noted that the GCC states have made the governance of natural resources a fundamental pillar in their national and collective policies. The Council member states hold nearly 30% of global oil reserves, approximately 20% of natural gas reserves, and contribute about a quarter of global oil production, which positions them as a reliable partner in stabilizing global energy markets, even during times of crises and geopolitical volatility.
The secretary general also condemned the irresponsible and hostile statements made by the Houthi militia, including false allegations against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and threats to close the Bab Al-Mandab Strait. He stressed that this escalation constitutes a blatant violation of international law and a direct threat to the freedom of international navigation and the safety of one of the world's most important strategic maritime passages.
Albudaiwi outlined the dangerous Iranian practices targeting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. These practices include targeting commercial vessels, planting naval mines, attempts to impose compulsory routes within Iranian territorial waters, explicit threats to prevent passage, and repeated announcements regarding the closure of the Strait. "These practices constitute a violation of international law and undermine confidence in the security of one of the world's most important maritime passages," he said.