Foreign Minister, GCC Secretary General hold press conference following conclusion of 46th GCC Summit
Manama, Dec. 3 (BNA): At the conclusion of the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit, hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain under the presidency of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, held a joint press conference attended by local, Gulf, Arab and international media representatives.
Dr. Al Zayani said that Bahrain was honoured to host the summit under the leadership of His Majesty the King and with the participation of Their Majesties and Highnesses the GCC leaders. He expressed appreciation for their efforts to strengthen joint Gulf action towards greater cohesion, cooperation and integration.
The Foreign Minister said the Bahrain Summit was productive and distinguished, characterised by a spirit of fraternity and optimism. He noted that the summit resulted in constructive decisions and highlighted the GCC’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and progress in the interests of its peoples. He added that discussions reflected a clear awareness of regional and global developments and their impact on stability, underscoring the importance of continued efforts to build on GCC achievements.
Dr. Al Zayani said that the 33rd Arab Summit had last year issued the "Sakhir Declaration," which conveyed a unified Arab message calling for peace and coexistence across the Middle East. He said this year’s "Sakhir Declaration – Bahrain Summit (2025)" underlined the GCC’s commitment to deepening historical ties, preserving security and stability, advancing economic integration, and empowering youth and women. He added that the declaration emphasised justice and dialogue as foundations for lasting regional peace and a unified, cohesive Gulf future.
The Foreign Minister said the GCC leaders reiterated their commitment to the strength and unity of the Council, and to further coordination and integration across all domains in support of the aspirations of GCC peoples. He noted that the leaders confirmed their united stance against any threat targeting a member state.
He added that the summit highlighted the importance of strengthening partnerships with other nations and international organisations, and continuing free-trade negotiations with various countries and global economic blocs.
Dr. Al Zayani said the GCC leaders welcomed the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as Guest of Honour at the 46th session, following an invitation from His Majesty the King. He noted that discussions with the Italian side focused on shared priorities, particularly the Palestinian issue and the war on Gaza, as well as enhancing cooperation under the GCC–Italy Joint Action Plan (2026–2030).
He said that the leaders lauded the efforts undertaken by GCC states during the war on Gaza, including their continuous engagement with international partners to achieve a ceasefire, secure the release of hostages and detainees, facilitate humanitarian access, and support a path toward sustainable peace. He added that the leaders welcomed the outcomes of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question, commending Saudi Arabia, in partnership with France, for its leadership.
Dr. Al Zayani said the leaders also commended the results of the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit and the agreement reached on Gaza in line with the peace plan proposed by His Excellency Donald Trump, US President. He noted that they welcomed the UN Security Council resolution endorsing the plan, asserting the importance of maintaining a permanent ceasefire and the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state.
He said the leaders discussed regional developments, including ongoing conflicts across the region, and stressed the importance of sound judgement, de-escalation and diplomatic solutions, as well as safeguarding the sovereignty and stability of Arab states in support of their peoples’ aspirations for peace and development.
On the Russia–Ukraine matter, the Minister said the leaders welcomed the diplomatic efforts of GCC member states to support a political resolution, facilitate prisoner exchanges, reunite children with their families and deliver humanitarian aid. He added that they commended HE President Trump’s efforts to end the war and strengthen international peace and security.
He said the leaders welcomed Saudi Arabia’s assumption of the 47th GCC Summit presidency and its invitation to host the next session. He added that they approved the final statement of the 46th session and the Sakhir Declaration – Bahrain Summit (2025).
On his part, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary General expressed his highest appreciation to His Majesty the King for hosting the 46th Summit and wished His Majesty success in presiding over the next cycle of the GCC’s work. He also thanked His Highness Sheikh Meshal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, Amir of Kuwait, for Kuwait’s efforts during its presidency of the previous session.
The Secretary General said the leaders reviewed numerous aspects of joint Gulf action and adopted decisions spanning political, economic, security, military and legislative areas to advance development, enhance welfare and strengthen GCC integration.
He added that the participation of Her Excellency Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, as Guest of Honour aimed to strengthen relations with Italy and, more broadly, with Mediterranean countries and the European Union. He emphasised that the summit conveyed strong and positive messages about the GCC’s unity, cohesion and clear determination to deepen integration and cooperation for the benefit of its peoples and the stability and prosperity of the region.
