In a pivotal step towards the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, the Bahraini capital, Manama, hosted the 166th preparatory ministerial meeting. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated with a high-level delegation, represented by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Multilateral International Affairs, Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, on behalf of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Review of the progress of joint Gulf action
The meeting served as an important platform for evaluating and reviewing the progress of joint Gulf action. Participants discussed ways to strengthen and develop cooperation mechanisms across various political, economic, and security fields. Discussions focused on following up on the implementation of decisions issued at the previous summit (45) and ensuring continued progress on vital issues that serve the interests of the region's people. The latest regional and international developments were also reviewed, and positions were coordinated on issues of common concern, thereby enhancing the Council's active role as an influential bloc in its regional and international environment.
Historical background and strategic importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established in 1981. It is a regional organization comprising six member states: the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar, and the State of Kuwait. Since its inception, the Council has aimed to achieve coordination, integration, and interdependence among its member states in all fields, ultimately leading to their unity. The annual GCC summits serve as the highest authority within the Council's structure, where the leaders of the member states formulate overarching policies and develop future plans to deepen cooperation and fulfill their citizens' aspirations for security and prosperity.
Expected impact of the 46th summit on the future of the region
The 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit is of particular importance given the geopolitical and economic challenges facing the world. Its agenda is expected to focus on key issues including strengthening economic integration, completing the requirements for the Gulf Common Market and Customs Union, and accelerating digital transformation and renewable energy in line with the national development visions of member states. On the security and political front, the summit will be an opportunity to unify visions for confronting shared security challenges, supporting regional stability, and enhancing strategic partnerships with international powers. The decisions issued by the GCC leaders in Manama will have a direct impact not only on the future of the Gulf states but also on the political and economic balance of power in the entire Middle East region.
The preparatory meeting was attended on the Saudi side by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Kingdom of Bahrain, Mr. Nayef Al-Sudairi, the Director General of the Office of the Undersecretary for Multilateral International Affairs, Mr. Mohammed Al-Shehri, and the Director of the Cooperation Council Department, Mr. Faisal bin Saeed.
