Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain: Bahrain’s hosting of the 46th GCC Summit highlights its leadership in advancing Gulf cooperation
Manama, Dec. 2 (BNA): Naif bin Bandar Al Sudairi, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bahrain, said that Bahrain’s hosting of the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit represents an important milestone in GCC joint action and a clear reflection of Bahrain’s steadfast commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to enhancing cooperation and integration among the GCC countries.
Speaking to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Ambassador Al Sudairi said that hosting this major event is not only an organisational responsibility, but an expression of a deep belief in the importance of joint action aimed at Gulf unity. It also reflects Bahrain’s balanced role in the region and its capacity to facilitate constructive dialogue and consensus among member states, strengthening confidence in the GCC as a body capable of responding to regional and international developments with awareness and responsibility.
The Ambassador highlighted the significant attention the GCC receives from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, noting their dedication to strengthening cooperation and integration among member states and promoting Gulf unity in the interests of the peoples of the region and their aspirations for stability and growth.
He emphasised the exceptional importance of the 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain at a time of rapid regional and global changes and challenges affecting security, stability, and development. He said the summit is expected to strengthen agreement on means to unify foreign policy positions and coordinate responses to regional crises, reinforcing confidence in the GCC as a body capable of influencing outcomes rather than simply reacting.
Ambassador Al Sudairi noted that Bahrain’s hosting of the summit underscores the Kingdom’s trusted role in advancing coordination and aligning perspectives on political, economic, and security issues of shared interest. He added that, from a strategic perspective, holding the summit at this time sends a significant message both domestically and internationally: it highlights the cohesion of the Gulf states and the continuity of their unity and integration, while demonstrating to the world that the Gulf represents a model of regional stability and cooperation founded on dialogue, balance, and openness.
He highlighted that successive GCC summits form a key pillar in preserving Gulf unity and reinforcing the consultative and coordinating approach that has defined the GCC since its founding. He added that the summits serve as a strategic framework for shaping common political positions and developing unified stances on regional and international issues that impact the security and stability of the region.
The Ambassador explained that the 46th GCC Summit is a continuation of a series of achievements and agreements, reflecting the shared will of the GCC leaders to face challenges with a unified approach. He added that experience has shown that Gulf unity has always been a source of strength and influence, whether on political, security, economic, or development issues.
He also highlighted the pivotal role of GCC summits in achieving joint defence and security integration and addressing cross-border challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and energy and food security, reflecting a deep understanding of their importance. The continuity of the summits embodies the spirit of solidarity and collective action that underpins the GCC, demonstrating that Gulf unity is not a temporary choice but a firmly held conviction supported by the vision of leaders and the cohesion of Gulf peoples.
Ambassador Al Sudairi emphasised the historic ties between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, describing them as one of the strongest examples of Gulf solidarity today. He noted that this relationship is rooted not only in historical and social ties but also in a shared vision regarding regional and international issues. He added that under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, both countries have maintained a consistent approach based on continuous consultation and coordination, reflected in aligned positions on various issues and a joint commitment to enhancing security, stability, and sustainable development for the benefit of their peoples and the peoples of the entire Gulf region.
The Ambassador also commended the role of Gulf media as a key element in strengthening Gulf identity and emphasising common goals among the peoples of the GCC, noting that professional and unified media content can serve as a pillar of Gulf integration and present a coherent model of unity and partnership to the world.
He said that the current phase, with its political, economic, and media transformations, places a responsibility on Gulf media to build a balanced and unified narrative reflecting the official positions of GCC states, highlighting their developmental achievements and role in maintaining security and stability in the Gulf region.
