Saudi FM attends GCC Ministerial Council in Manama

MANAMA — Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan attended the 168th session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in Manama on Sunday. The meeting was chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain and Chair of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani. It was attended by the foreign ministers of the GCC member states and the GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi. In his specch, Al-Zayani stated that an attack on one Gulf state is an attack on all. He condemned the Houthi militias' terrorist attacks against civilians. He affirmed the GCC states' solidarity with Saudi Arabia and emphasized the Council's support for any measures the Kingdom takes in self-defense. The council meeting discussed ways to strengthen joint Gulf cooperation and accelerate integration projects among GCC member states in logistics connectivity and strategic stockpiling. These efforts would help improve the efficiency of Gulf economies, strengthen their ability to address crises and challenges, and advance development and prosperity. The meeting also addressed the condemnation of attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Houthi terrorist militia, emphasizing the need for a firm international response to these terrorist attacks. It underscored the importance of efforts to restore freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab and protect regional maritime routes from threats. The meeting reviewed efforts to strengthen regional and international partnerships and expand cooperation with countries and organizations. It also discussed supporting industrial integration among GCC member states and enhancing the competitiveness of Gulf industries in regional and global markets. These efforts aimed to strengthen economic and trade cooperation and serve the interests of the member states and their peoples.