GCC continues balanced political, diplomatic efforts to address challenges, promote global peace
Manama, Nov. 30 (BNA): Over the past 44 years, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strengthened its presence on regional and international political and diplomatic arenas as a robust and influential bloc. With firmly established foundations, the GCC has emerged as an effective system supporting international efforts to promote security, stability, and global peace through a wise foreign policy guided by a balanced strategy and a measured diplomatic approach.
Despite major regional and global events in recent years, GCC states have demonstrated their role as a cornerstone of regional and international security and stability, serving as a distinctive model of integration and cooperation among its member states.
Political and Diplomatic Unity of the Gulf
Founded in 1981, the GCC was established with strategic objectives outlined in Article 4 of its Charter, aiming to "achieve coordination, integration, and interconnection among member states in all fields towards their unity." This reflects the awareness of Gulf leaders of the shared relations, characteristics, and strong bonds connecting their nations, as well as their belief in a common destiny and unified goals, while recognising that coordination, cooperation, and integration among member states serve the higher objectives of the Arab and Islamic nations.
Regular summits at the level of leaders, ministerial meetings, and specialised committee sessions are central to reinforcing Gulf unity. These meetings provide opportunities to follow up on joint political and diplomatic strategies, implement major development projects, harmonise positions, unify visions, and coordinate work across multiple levels, strengthening the GCC’s structure and collective will.
Unified Positions on Key Arab Issues
Supporting the Palestinian cause remains a top priority for the GCC, with a firm stance on advocating for the rights of the Palestinian people, rejecting any infringement on their legitimate rights, and calling for a just and comprehensive solution based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative. The GCC consistently supports the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.
Over decades, GCC states have actively supported Palestinian rights through official statements, initiatives, and participation in regional and international efforts to achieve comprehensive peace, end wars, end the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, and establish an independent Palestinian state.
Regarding other Arab issues, the GCC maintains a consistent policy of supporting and standing in solidarity with Arab nations in times of crisis, safeguarding sovereignty, respecting national decisions, preserving security and stability, and backing the peace process in the Middle East
through close cooperation with international partners while upholding historical Arab rights.
The GCC’s Role as an Effective Regional Entity
Coordination in foreign policy within the GCC aims to produce unified positions in regional and international forums, allowing member states to act as a strong collective entity. This approach has reinforced strategic partnerships with regional and global organisations and strengthened the GCC’s humanitarian and developmental role locally and internationally.
Throughout its history, the GCC leadership has prioritised enhancing the council’s role, expanding its influence in the Gulf, the Arab world, and the broader Middle East. This has included building partnerships with regional and international diplomatic and political organisations, promoting strategic economic, security, and diplomatic relations, and consolidating the GCC’s capacity to address rapid regional and global challenges, serving as a model for sustainable security, stability, and development.
Since its inception, the GCC has concluded cooperation agreements and established consultative councils with regional and international organizations, including the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, the United Nations, the European Union, ASEAN, and others.
It has also engaged in high-level summits with major global powers such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, China, the European Union, Türkiye, Morocco, Central Asian countries, and other European nations, yielding benefits for the region and its peoples.
Through its measured and wise diplomatic and foreign policies, the GCC has actively contributed to international efforts to support regional and global initiatives for conflict resolution, counterterrorism, combating extremism, and promoting collective action with relevant organisations. The council’s strategic geographical and geopolitical position, supported by modern infrastructure, technology, and national expertise, has further strengthened its role in "comprehensive modern diplomacy," enhancing sustainable security in the region and worldwide.
The convening of the 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain in 2025 underscores the importance of regular summits and meetings in consolidating joint action among member states. It reaffirms the unity of the Gulf, the coherence of its positions and visions, and highlights the council’s regional and international contributions toward peace, security, stability, and the promotion of tolerance and coexistence among diverse peoples and cultures
