Brussels: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi stressed during a working session before the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) that Gulf-European relations are more important than ever amid current regional and international challenges, and called for elevating them from consultation to a more practical partnership.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi, who is holding a series of meetings with senior officials in Brussels, explained that recent security developments in the region, along with threats to maritime routes, supply chains, and energy and food security, confirm that Gulf stability is not merely a regional matter, but a fundamental element of global stability.

He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open and secure under international law, particularly UNCLOS (1982).

He also praised the EU's condemnation of Iranian attacks on GCC states and its efforts to contain escalation through urgent diplomatic engagement.