During the 168th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council meeting held in Bahrain, foreign ministers condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s right to defend itself. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed strong solidarity with Saudi Arabia, underscoring that the security of the Kingdom is crucial to the overall security of all GCC member states. He criticized the attacks on civilians and infrastructure such as airports, labeling them violations of international law.
GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi also voiced strong criticism against the Houthi assaults, which have targeted airports and energy facilities, threatening regional stability. He urged the international community to take action in halting these attacks and ensuring those responsible are held accountable. The ongoing violence was highlighted as a significant threat to the region’s security and stability.
The ministers’ discussions extended beyond the immediate attacks, addressing broader regional tensions, including developments in Yemen and threats to the freedom of navigation in strategic waterways like the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi condemned Iranian aggression toward GCC countries, emphasizing the importance of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following the GCC meeting, the ninth joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf-Russia Strategic Dialogue took place, focusing on enhancing cooperation and sharing perspectives on regional and international issues. This dialogue reflects the GCC’s ongoing efforts to engage with international partners to address shared concerns and strengthen regional security frameworks.