Amman: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and President of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, chaired the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) delegation at the Third GCC-EU High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation. The gathering featured representatives from GCC member states, EU foreign ministers, and their representatives.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, chaired the European side. The forum was attended by Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, and Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative for the Gulf.
Dr. Al Zayani conveyed condolences on behalf of the GCC and the Kingdom of Bahrain for the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Amir of Qatar. Discussing regional developments, he highlighted ongoing Iranian attacks against GCC states and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, noting European condemnation of these attacks. He welcomed the International Maritime Organisation Council's condemnation of control attempts over the Strait.
The Minister emphasized GCC support for the US-Iran memorandum of understanding brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, while highlighting that Iran's actions breached the MoU, international law, and UN Security Council Resolution 2817. He reaffirmed the GCC's unity and the right to self-defence under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Dr. Al Zayani reiterated Bahrain's stance at the UN Security Council, stressing that recent Iranian attacks targeted civilians. He reaffirmed Bahrain's commitment to EU collaboration to uphold international law, ensure Iran's compliance, and maintain navigation freedom.
He concluded by highlighting the foundation of GCC-EU relations on the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and nearly four decades of partnership. The forum addresses regional security, maritime navigation, the US-Iran memorandum, the Iranian nuclear programme, and broader Gulf political and security challenges.
The forum included Dr. Mohammed Ali Behzad, Ambassador to Belgium and Head of Mission to the EU.