|  | | 6/11/2026 11:55 AM |  وليد الدغباسي | 6/11/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), expressed his condemnation and denunciation in the strongest terms of the repeated hostile Iranian attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, stressing that the Iranian regime's persistence in targeting civilian facilities and vital infrastructure undermines international and regional efforts aimed at consolidating security and peace and resolving the crisis.
Moreover, His Excellency the Secretary General affirmed the GCC's support for all measures taken by the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to enhance their security and safeguard their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
| | | HE GCCSG Condemns in the Strongest Terms the Repeated Treacherous Iranian Attacks on the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan | 2026 | | | | 6/10/2026 5:09 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/10/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
The Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) held its meeting in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, on a day that witnessed a new heinous Iranian aggression, represented by drone and ballistic missile attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait and the brotherly Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
As the Ministerial Council follows these developments with the utmost concern and denunciation, it expresses, on behalf of the GCC states, the following:
1. The Ministerial Council condemns in the strongest terms these brutal Iranian attacks against the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and considers them a blatant aggression against the sovereignty of states, the security of their peoples and the safety of their territories, as well as a flagrant violation of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the principles of good neighbourliness.
2. The Council affirms that these hostile acts do not serve any understanding or rapprochement, but rather distance peoples from one another, undermine the foundations of trust, sow discord and close the doors of dialogue to which the GCC states have always called. Aggression does not build relations, and intimidation does not create stability.
3. The Council expresses its full solidarity and firm support, standing united with the Kingdom of Bahrain, the State of Kuwait and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
4. The Council affirms that the security of the GCC states is indivisible, and that any attack against one of them is an attack against them all.
5. The Council reassures the citizens of its states and residents on their territories that the joint defence capabilities and air defence systems are confronting these attacks with high efficiency and readiness, and that the leaderships of the GCC states are moving forward in safeguarding the security and stability of the region. These attacks will only increase the cohesion, determination and resolve of the peoples of the GCC states to resist and confront them.
6. The Council affirms the established and legitimate right of its states to defend themselves, individually and collectively, and to respond to this aggression by all legitimate means, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, which guarantees the inherent right of states to defend themselves if an armed attack occurs against them.
7. The Council holds Iran fully responsible for these acts and their grave repercussions on the security of the region, international navigation and energy supplies, and demands their immediate cessation and a complete end to any targeting of the GCC states, their interests and their citizens.
8. The Council calls upon the Security Council and the international community to assume their responsibilities in condemning this aggression and holding its perpetrators accountable, in a manner that ensures respect for the sovereignty of states and the preservation of regional and international peace and security.
The Ministerial Council, while renewing the GCC states’ commitment to the option of peace, good neighbourliness and diplomatic solutions as a means of settling disputes, poses a fundamental question to the aggressor: How can future relations be built amid the continuation of these attacks and the insistence on pursuing them? Persistence in the path of aggression will only lead to further isolation, while the door to understanding remains open to those who choose the language of wisdom and good neighbourliness.
Issued by the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council
Manama, June 10, 2026
| | | Statement issued by the 167th Ministerial Council meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), in the Kingdom of Bahrain | 2026 | | | | 6/10/2026 6:55 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/10/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), praised the high level of coordination among the Council states in addressing the repercussions of the Iranian aggressions through holding more than 150 extraordinary meetings across all ministerial and technical levels.
His Excellency indicated that these sessions aimed to ensure continuous communication, information sharing, and the facilitation of procedures, alongside enhancing the resilience of supply chains and the flow of goods, as well as intensifying diplomatic actions with nations and international and regional blocs, which reflected the unity of the Gulf position, the firm stance, and the unwavering resolve to safeguard the security and stability of our states, and to continue the constructive march towards achieving Gulf integration.
These remarks came during His Excellency’s speech at the 167th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council, today, Wednesday (June 10, 2026), in Manama, the capital of the Kingdom of Bahrain, chaired by His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council, and in the presence of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General expressed his highest thanks, appreciation, and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Supreme Council, for the facilities and support the Kingdom of Bahrain has provided and continues to provide to ensure the success of the GCC’s work, and for the support and attention that joint Gulf action receives from His Majesty, as well as to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the Council states, across all fields.
“Since the beginning of the twenty-eighth of February 2026 until this day, the GCC states have been subjected to sinful Iranian attacks with ballistic missiles and drones, targeting infrastructure and vital civilian facilities, the latest of which were the terrorist Iranian attacks that targeted the Kingdom of Bahrain and the State of Kuwait this morning, in a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of the Council states and the principles of good neighbourliness, and a grave breach of international law, international humanitarian law, and the United Nations (UN) Charter,” His Excellency stated, expressing his sincere condolences to the families of the righteous martyrs, both civilian and military, praying to Allah the Almighty to grant them His vast mercy, inspire their families with patience and solace, and bless the injured with a speedy and full recovery.
His Excellency also expressed his thanks and appreciation for the pivotal role of the ministerial and technical committees and working teams, which took immediate action and ensured effective coordination to address the repercussions of these attacks.
Moreover, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi commended the efficiency and readiness of the armed forces of the GCC states, which professionally and capably intercepted more than 7,000 ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran towards the GCC states, contributing to neutralising the threat and protecting lives, facilities and vital assets. “Despite the gravity of these attacks, the GCC states chose restraint and wisdom, out of keenness to avoid sliding into cycles of escalation with unforeseeable consequences,” His Excellency explained. He called on Iran to stop all attacks against the GCC states, respect their sovereignty, refrain from interfering in their internal affairs, comply with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, cease destabilising activities, and support de-escalation efforts and tracks.
“As a continuation of this destabilising conduct, the region witnessed another dangerous escalation represented by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the disruption of navigation through it, in a clear denial of states’ right of passage and navigation, guaranteed under international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982,” His Excellency pointed out during his speech.
Furthermore, he noted that this is not only about the security of the GCC states, but also about energy security, supply chains and the stability of the global economy. “The stability of the Gulf region is not merely a regional interest, but a global necessity,” His Excellency underlined, calling for the immediate reopening of the Strait and the restoration of normal navigation, while affirming the significance of returning to the path of dialogue and diplomacy to overcome the current crisis.
Meanwhile, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi referred in his speech to UN Security Council Resolution 2817 of 2026, which strongly condemned the Iranian attacks against the GCC states and affirmed their inherent right to self-defence in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations. He indicated that, prior to these attacks, the GCC states had exerted strenuous efforts to facilitate dialogue between the United States and Iran through high-level communications and mediation efforts led by the Sultanate of Oman. “However, all of this did not prevent Iran and its proxies in the region from launching their attacks against the GCC states,” His Excellency added.
Besides, His Excellency underscored the full solidarity of the peoples of the GCC states and their united stand in confronting these attacks, stressing that the security of the GCC states is indivisible, and that any attack against any member state is a direct attack against all GCC states, in accordance with the Joint Defence Agreement. “The GCC states reserve their legal right to respond, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter of the United Nations, which guarantees the right of individual and collective self-defence,” His Excellency emphasised.
“Within the framework of following up on the outcomes of the 19th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, held in Jeddah on April 28, 2026, work is continuing to implement the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses. A higher committee comprising senior officials from the General Secretariat has been formed to translate these directives into implementable plans and programmes, and detailed reports on its outcomes will be submitted to the next session of the Supreme Council,” His Excellency highlighted.
In conclusion, His Excellency explained that the agenda of the 167th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council includes a number of topics across various fields, as well as a report on the progress of negotiations for free trade agreements. He congratulated Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC states on the signing of the Joint Statement concluding the negotiations for the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the GCC and the United Kingdom (UK), and extended his thanks and appreciation to the members of the working teams from the GCC states and the General Secretariat, who contributed significantly and valuably to the completion of this achievement, which adds to the GCC’s gains.
 
| | | During 167th Ministerial Council Meeting, HE GCCSG Praises High Level of Coordination Among Council States to Address Iranian Aggressions' Repercussions, Noting That Over 150 Extraordinary Ministerial & Technical Meetings Held to Faciliate Procedures | 2026 | | | | 6/10/2026 7:43 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/10/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the Third Gulf-Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue represents an important platform to broaden the horizons of cooperation, not only in addressing current challenges, but also in building sustainable strategic partnerships across various fields of common interest, reflecting the growing stature of this relationship and its future importance.
This came during HE the Secretary General’s speech at the Third Gulf-Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue, held on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, chaired by His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council, with the participation of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC states, and Her Excellency Ms Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
At the outset of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Supreme Council, for the facilities and support provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain to ensure the success of the work of the Cooperation Council, and for the support and attention accorded by His Majesty to joint GCC action, as well as to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, across all fields.
“Today’s meeting is being held amid complex regional and international developments and circumstances across all levels, following the treacherous Iranian aggression against the GCC states since February 28, 2026, which continues to this day, and whose repercussions have extended to disrupting navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, causing serious consequences for the global economy,” His Excellency stated.
He further said: “Today’s meeting, held under these circumstances and challenges, carries particular importance for exchanging views, coordinating positions and strengthening joint cooperation between the GCC and Canada, in a manner that contributes to supporting security, stability and prosperity.”
HE the Secretary General also renewed his welcome of the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2817, affirming the importance of its implementation in order to achieve its objectives of protecting international security and peace, and deterring any practices that could threaten the stability of the region or undermine the rules of international law.
In the same context, His Excellency expressed his appreciation for Canada’s positions in denouncing and condemning the Iranian attacks against the GCC states, and for its support for efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
HE the Secretary General underlined that the strategic dialogue between the GCC states and Canada constitutes a qualitative shift in relations between the two sides, and that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the General Secretariat of the GCC and the Government of Canada has established a solid institutional framework for this dialogue. "The Joint Action Plan for 2025-2029 sets out the priorities and mechanisms necessary to enhance cooperation in the political and security fields, trade and investment, energy, education, health, and other vital areas," His Excellency explained.
His Excellency also addressed economic relations between the GCC states and Canada, pointing out that they have witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, with the volume of trade exchange between the two sides reaching approximately USD 7.7 billion in 2025. "Foreign direct investment inflows to the GCC states also rose to more than USD 2 billion in 2024, reflecting the strength of existing economic links and the promising potential to enhance trade and investment cooperation between the two sides," His Excellency highlighted.
He also emphasised the importance of building on the progress achieved in economic relations between the GCC states and Canada, working to expand the horizons of mutual trade and investment, and strengthening cooperation in the fields of conventional and renewable energy, innovation, advanced technologies, food security and supply chains, in a manner that contributes to accomplishing sustainable development and supports economic growth and prosperity for our peoples.
Concluding his remarks, His Excellency welcomed Canada’s hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in partnership with the United States and Mexico, wishing it success.
 
| | | HE GCCSG: 3rd Gulf-Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue Represents Important Platform to Broaden Cooperation, Not Only in Addressing Current Challenges, but also in Building Sustainable Strategic Partnerships Across Various Fields | 2026 | | | | 6/9/2026 1:29 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/9/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
His Excellency Shaikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, received His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) in the Qatari capital, Doha.
During the meeting, a number of topics related to joint GCC action and efforts to strengthen it were discussed. HE the Secretary General expressed his thanks and appreciation to HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs for the support and assistance provided by the State of Qatar to the work of the GCC General Secretariat.
The two sides also exchanged views on the latest developments in the region and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability.
| | | HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar Receives HE the GCCSG | 2026 | | | | 6/9/2026 2:56 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/9/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the 167th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council will be held on Wednesday (June 10, 2026) in the Kingdom of Bahrain, chaired by His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council, with the participation of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC states.
The Third Gulf-Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue will also be held on the sidelines of the meeting, with the participation of Her Excellency Ms Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada.
This came in a statement by HE the Secretary General upon his arrival in the Kingdom of Bahrain on Tuesday to participate in the scheduled ministerial meetings. He was received by His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Acting Undersecretary for Political Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain.
HE the Secretary General said that the GCC Ministerial Council, during its meeting, will discuss a number of reports concerning the follow-up on the implementation of the decisions of the Supreme Council of the Cooperation Council, issued at the 46th GCC Summit held in Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain, in December 2025.
“The meeting will also discuss memoranda and reports submitted by the ministerial and technical committees and the General Secretariat, as well as topics related to dialogues and strategic relations between the GCC states and countries and global blocs, in addition to the latest regional and international developments witnessed by the region,” His Excellency explained.
He also stated that the Third Gulf-Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue will be held, during which several topics will be discussed, most notably ways to strengthen joint cooperation between the GCC and Canada through the Joint Action Plan for 2025-2029, which sets out the priorities and mechanisms to enhance cooperation in the political and security fields, trade and investment, energy, education, health, and other vital areas between the two sides, in addition to regional and international developments.
| | | HE the GCCSG: The 167th Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council and the 3rd Gulf-Canada Joint Ministerial Meeting for Strategic Dialogue Will Be Held Wednesday in the Kingdom of Bahrain | 2026 | | | | 6/10/2026 12:11 AM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/9/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
His Excellency Shaikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar, received His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) in the Qatari capital, Doha.
During the meeting, a number of topics related to joint GCC military action were discussed and reviewed, in a manner that contributes to strengthening integration and cooperation among the armed forces of the Cooperation Council to address regional and international challenges and developments, support the security and stability of the GCC states, and preserve their achievements. This comes in implementation of the directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, aimed at enhancing the joint GCC security and defence system.  | | | Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs of the State of Qatar Receives HE the GCCSG | 2026 | | | | 6/9/2026 6:32 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/9/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the GCC represents a firm strategic pillar in addressing rapid geopolitical shifts, and that integration and cooperation among its states is not an option, but rather an inevitable necessity imposed by the nature of the current phase.
These remarks came during a lecture delivered by HE the Secretary General at Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies on Tuesday (June 9, 2026) in Doha, State of Qatar.
At the beginning of the lecture, His Excellency praised the active role of Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies in the State of Qatar, and its pioneering work in promoting integration and cooperation in the military field among the GCC states. He also commended its role in consolidating strategic intellectual awareness and anticipating challenges and opportunities in light of the rapid developments witnessed by the region.
HE the Secretary General also expressed his appreciation for the heroic and professional role played by the Qatari Armed Forces during the past events in confronting the treacherous Iranian missiles and drones, reflecting the high level of efficiency, readiness and vigilance of the Qatari Armed Forces in protecting the security of the state, safeguarding its resources, and preserving the safety of its territories and citizens, under the wise leadership of His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar.
During the lecture, His Excellency addressed four themes. The first was the strategic importance of the GCC in light of current geopolitical shifts, which is characterised by a number of highly important aspects for both the GCC and the world at large, and which are closely linked to the stability of global economies. He summarised these aspects as global energy security, the GCC’s vital geographical location, combating terrorism and extremism, and economic markets and investments.
The second theme focused on GCC foreign policy and building strategic partnerships. “The GCC states have achieved significant accomplishments through these strategic partnerships and dialogues, which have affirmed the GCC’s presence on the international scene and developed its relations with countries and other groups,” His Excellency stressed.
The third theme addressed the role of the GCC General Secretariat and its achievements in a number of fields, where HE the Secretary General underlined that the responsibilities of the General Secretariat include preparing studies related to cooperation and coordination, as well as integrated plans and programmes for joint action; generating periodic reports on the work of the Council and following up on the implementation of decisions, in addition to producing reports and studies requested by the Supreme Council or the Ministerial Council, preparing for meetings, drafting the agenda of the Ministerial Council and draft resolutions, and carrying out other duties stipulated in the Charter.
Meanwhile, the fourth theme focused on the future vision of the GCC and the most important challenges in the regional and international strategic environment. In this context, His Excellency underlined that the GCC believes dialogue and diplomacy remain the best and most effective means to address and resolve crises, stressing that no effort has been spared in extending the hand of dialogue and communication.
HE the Secretary General also stated that the GCC is working to bring viewpoints closer with partners, friendly countries and allies in order to find lasting solutions for security and stability. He added that the Cooperation Council also seeks to be a partner in diversifying its economies with its partners through the visions launched by the GCC states, while also focusing on investment in sectors such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, education, trade and investment.
  
| | | During His Lecture to Members of Joaan Bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies in the State of Qatar, HE the GCCSG Affirms that the GCC Represents a Firm Strategic Pillar in Addressing Rapid Geopolitical Shifts | 2026 | | | | 6/8/2026 11:51 AM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/8/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), received Her Excellency Ms Liselotte Plesner, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the occasion of the end of her tenure, today, Monday, June 8, 2026, at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh.
At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi commended the Ambassador's efforts in strengthening Gulf-Danish relations and her continuous keenness to coordinate with the GCC General Secretariat, wishing her ongoing success in her future assignments.
During the meeting, they also reviewed ties between the GCC and the Kingdom of Denmark, exploring ways to elevate and consolidate them to serve mutual interests, in addition to discussing the latest regional and international developments.
| | | HE GCCSG Receives Danish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia on the Occasion of the End of Her Tenure | 2026 | | | | 6/8/2026 1:15 PM | وليد الدغباسي | 6/8/2026 | Secretary General | | 6 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), received Her Excellency Ms Candice Williams, Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Monday (June 8, 2026) at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.
During the meeting, they discussed preparations for the participation of HE Secretary General in the high-level meeting of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), which will be held this month in Panama, the current chair of the Association.
His Excellency indicated that the GCC’s participation in this meeting comes as part of its efforts to strengthen its relations with the Association, in light of the memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides, on the one hand, and to build and consolidate relations with countries and regional and international organisations, on the other.
The two sides also reviewed GCC-Caribbean relations and GCC-Panamanian relations, in addition to discussing several topics of common interest.
During their exchange of views on the latest developments on the regional and international arenas, both sides affirmed the importance of enhancing security and stability in the region and the world.
| | | HE GCCSG Receives the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Discuss Preparations for His Excellency's Participation in the High-Level Meeting of the ACS | 2026 |
|
