During the 168th Ministerial Council meeting in Bahrain, foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s right to self-defense. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, highlighted the significance of Saudi Arabia’s security as an essential part of the collective security of all GCC member states. He criticized the attacks on civilians, airports, and civilian infrastructure as violations of international law.
Adding to the condemnation, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi warned that repeated assaults on key facilities like airports and energy infrastructure endanger regional security and stability. He urged the international community to step in and put an end to these attacks while holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
The meeting also addressed increasing regional tensions, developments in Yemen, and threats to maritime navigation in strategic areas such as the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi denounced Iranian attacks against GCC nations and underscored the imperative of respecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following this, the ministers participated in the ninth joint session of the Gulf-Russia Strategic Dialogue. The dialogue focused on fostering cooperation and exchanging perspectives on both regional and international matters, further solidifying diplomatic ties.