Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani chaired the 168th meeting of the Ministerial Council of the GCC in Jeddah. The council gathered to address regional security and integration matters facing member states. During the proceedings, the GCC condemned Houthi militia attacks against civilian targets in Saudi Arabia. Members reiterated their stance on the regional security situation and evaluated ongoing threats to civilian infrastructure. The Ministerial Council session concluded with a review of stability across the Gulf region.
Advancing Regional Economic Integration
The GCC was established in 1981 to coordinate policies among member states. Council members continue to build upon regional frameworks developed since that time. Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani noted the progress made regarding recent initiatives during the current ministerial gathering. "The past period has witnessed practical steps to implement the directives issued at the 19th consultative meeting of the GCC leaders, held in Jeddah on April 28," Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani stated. This 19th consultative meeting served as a key venue for aligning economic and political objectives across the Gulf. Officials are now focused on ensuring these specific directives move forward to support long-term regional integration.
Commitment to Maritime Security
Saudi Arabia submitted Resolution 2817 (2026) on behalf of GCC states and Jordan to address freedom of navigation. This resolution reflects a collective diplomatic effort by these nations to secure maritime corridors and protect commercial shipping routes within the region. The submission aligns with the ongoing focus of the Ministerial Council on maintaining stable transit through key waterways, specifically targeting the protection of international trade paths against interference.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 2216 (2015) maintains a formal arms embargo on Yemen. This mandate serves as a primary legal instrument for limiting the flow of military equipment into the country. Compliance with this international resolution remains a central component of the security policy discussed by the council members. By enforcing the terms of Resolution 2216 (2015), the GCC states aim to prevent the further escalation of armed conflicts that threaten regional stability and maritime safety near the Bab Al Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz. The council continues to monitor adherence to these international requirements as part of its broader mandate to manage security threats across the Gulf.