Jassim Mohammed Al-Badawi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed the continued support of member states for the security, stability, and sovereignty of Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon. He emphasized that achieving sustainable regional security requires addressing the root causes of crises, enhancing opportunities for development and stability, alongside adopting political and diplomatic solutions.
Al-Badawi, during a speech delivered on Saturday at the third plenary session titled "Pillars of Regional Security," as part of the 22nd Regional Security Summit "Manama Dialogue 2026" in the Bahraini capital Manama, stated: "Building a stable and sustainable regional security system requires adherence to the principles of international law, respect for state sovereignty, strengthening joint defense systems, prioritizing diplomatic channels, safeguarding the security of waterways and energy supplies, and consolidating development and international partnerships."
Al-Badawi clarified that the security of GCC states is indivisible, and the stability of the Arabian Gulf region constitutes a cornerstone for international security and peace. He affirmed the readiness of member states to play a pivotal role in building a regional security system based on respect for international rules, with regional countries participating in determining its priorities and formulating its foundations.
He stressed that building a solid regional security system relies on five main pillars, foremost among them being respect for international law and state sovereignty, commitment to the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference in internal affairs, respect for territorial integrity, refraining from the use of force or threat thereof, and settling disputes by peaceful means.
Al-Badawi renewed his affirmation of the continued support of member states for the legitimate government in Yemen and the achievement of a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis according to agreed references. He noted that achieving lasting peace in the region is linked to reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution, ensuring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.
He also renewed his condemnation of the repeated attacks launched by the Houthi militia against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since last July, which extended to the cities of Mecca and Medina, considering them a violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and a dangerous escalation.
Al-Badawi pointed out that developments in the region since February 28 and Iranian attacks targeting GCC states and their civilian and vital facilities highlighted the severity of challenges facing regional security. He noted that GCC states were not parties to the war and made diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation and mediate, while adhering to restraint.
He noted that the repercussions of those attacks went beyond the region's countries and extended to the global economy, due to disruptions in navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, which reflected on energy prices, shipping and insurance costs, and international supply chains.
On the axis of navigation and energy security, Al-Badawi affirmed that freedom of navigation and the right of transit are guaranteed under international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. He stressed that disrupting international navigation or closing the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab constitutes a violation of these principles and a threat to global economic and commercial interests.
He indicated that GCC states are working to enhance the resilience of the energy supply system and reduce its exposure to risks through oil and gas pipeline projects, studying the creation of strategic reserve zones, and accelerating projects for electrical, water, and Gulf railway interconnections.
Al-Badawi called on the international community to take a firm stance to stop the attacks and hold those responsible accountable, and to work on restoring navigation in vital sea lanes to their normal state as it was before February 28.
In conclusion of his speech, Al-Badawi expressed his appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for hosting the Manama Dialogue for the 22nd consecutive year, praising its efforts in providing an international platform for exchanging views and discussing security and strategic challenges. He affirmed the importance of strengthening responsible international positions and shared visions to contribute to consolidating security and stability in the region.
The 22nd edition of the conference, organized by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, is held from October 30 to November 1, 2026, with participation from delegations of more than 50 countries, along with more than 40 high-level figures including ministers, senior military leaders, and high-level representatives of more than 10 international organizations.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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