Manama:Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has highlighted the importance that GCC member states place on strengthening relations with the Russian Federation. This commitment is based on shared interests and a mutual desire to enhance cooperation and coordination, paving the way for a broader GCC-Russian partnership.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi's remarks were made during the Ninth Joint Ministerial Meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and the Russian Federation in Manama, chaired by Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The meeting included foreign ministers from the GCC member states and Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Albudaiwi stressed that the meeting occurs at a critical time, with GCC nations facing unprecedented threats to their security and sovereignty, alongside challenges to maritime navigation and energy supplies. He emphasized the strategic dialogue's importance in addressing these issues and called for increased consultation and coordination on regional and international matters.
The secretary-general underscored the grave challenges posed by Iranian attacks that have targeted GCC states, involving thousands of ballistic missiles and UAVs, affecting airports, ports, and vital facilities. These attacks have resulted in civilian casualties in conflicts that the GCC states are not part of. Additionally, he condemned the escalation of attacks by the Houthi militia, highlighting a specific assault on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
Albudaiwi affirmed the GCC's solidarity with Saudi Arabia, supporting measures to protect its security and urging the international community to take a strong stance against such threats. He also noted Iran's disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and threats to navigation in Bab al-Mandeb and the Red Sea, stressing the need to restore maritime traffic and ensure compliance with UN Security Council resolutions.
The GCC secretary-general expressed hope that Russia, as a permanent UN Security Council member, would play a role in urging Iran to comply with international resolutions and engage in dialogue based on mutual respect and non-interference.
He reaffirmed the GCC's commitment to the Palestinian cause, supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Albudaiwi also appreciated Russia's stance on Palestine and emphasized the need to consolidate the ceasefire in Gaza and support UN relief efforts.
On Syria, Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC's support for the country's sovereignty and stability, while addressing the Russia-Ukraine crisis, he advocated for dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful resolution. He highlighted the GCC's humanitarian contributions, including mediation efforts by the UAE, Saudi Arabia's hosting of talks, and Qatar's initiatives to reunite families affected by the crisis.