Security and prosperity of Gulf states 'indivisible', says Bahrain's King Hamad

GCC leaders reiterate commitment to joint defence strategy at summit

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  Leaders from across the region stand for a photograph during the 46th GCC Summit at Sakhir Palace. All photos: UAE Presidential Court

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  Sheikh Mansour, left, during the GCC Summit

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  Sheikh Mansour, right, during the GCC Summit

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  King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain delivers a speech

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  Children welcome the guests to Sakhir Palace

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  The GCC emblem

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  Sheikh Mansour departs after attending the summit

Leaders of Gulf nations on Wednesday stated their commitment to joint defence and shared economic strategies at a summit in Bahrain.

“The security and prosperity of the Gulf states are indivisible,” King Hamad of Bahrain said at the opening session of the 46th Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) summit, hosted by his country for the eighth time.

“We reaffirm our joint commitment to addressing regional issues through dialogue,” he added.

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Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Meshal, said “any aggression against one state in this council is considered aggression against the entire council”.

The statements came hours after GCC Secretary General Jasem Al Budaiwi said Gulf states are focused on finalising a joint defensive air shield “in the near future”.

He added that the meeting in Bahrain is “extremely important”, given the unprecedented attacks on Qatar earlier this year by Iran and Israel.

During another session, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni — invited as a special guest — said her country wants to deepen economic and diplomatic ties with the GCC. The Bahraini King and the GCC Secretary General echoed the same commitment.

Gulf leaders then held closed-door talks, after which a final communique was issued, underscoring the principle that a security threat to one member state is a security threat to all.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, UAE Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister, upon arrival, at Sakhir Air Base. Eissa Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court

The six member states have been keen to project alignment on major issues, even as they maintain different approaches on several key areas.

In the communique, Gulf leaders affirmed their commitment to completing the path of integration and joint Gulf co-operation, stressing the need to accelerate efforts in this regard.

They underscored the importance of resolving regional disputes through peaceful means and the necessity of ending the war in the Gaza Strip and establishing an independent Palestinian state in line with the two-state solution.

On Sudan, the leaders said the war needs to end through a "political solution" and welcomed President Donald Trump's initiative to work with countries of the region to end the conflict.

Urgent priorities

The leaders also stressed the importance of continuing technological and scientific progress, encouraging investment in strategic projects, and maintaining economic diversification driven by innovation.

They highlighted the need to strengthen co-operation in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and to enhance international partnerships to support regional security.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in Manama. Photo: National Communication Centre - Bahrain

Their agenda included urgent priorities such as completing the joint defence system, navigating conflict-related regional diplomacy and advancing economic partnerships.

On arrival at Sakhir Palace, the leaders were greeted by a display of Gulf heritage in its grand courtyard, including traditional Bahraini dances and ceremonial performances.

Sultan Haitham of Oman was the first leader to arrive in Bahrain. His attendance carries symbolic diplomatic weight: it is the first time an Omani Sultan has taken part in a GCC summit in person since Sultan Qaboos in 2011.

Sultan Haitham of Oman in Bahrain for the GCC summit. Photo: National Communication Centre - Bahrain

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, led a high-level Emirati delegation, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived by car from eastern Saudi Arabia, crossing the causeway linking the two countries.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, is leading his country's delegation.

“The shared vision has helped anchor Gulf security,” King Hamad added in his opening speech.