His Excellency the Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that the GCC states have become a fundamental pillar in the equation of global stability, no longer content with their traditional role of protecting their own interests, but have transformed into reliable international partners in building security and peace. This came during his active participation in the 62nd Munich Security Conference, the world's leading platform for discussing international security policies, held in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.
A strategic vision for the future of the region
During the panel discussion titled "A Vision for the New Middle East: The Future of Regional Integration," Al-Budaiwi explained that the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—may God protect them—adopt a profound, forward-looking vision that believes security is indivisible and that the stability of the Gulf states is the cornerstone of stability in the Middle East and the world at large. He pointed out that this vision comes at a time when the international arena is witnessing rapid geopolitical shifts, necessitating concerted efforts to unify ranks and confront common challenges.
In further explaining the strategic importance of this proposal, observers believe that the GCC's participation in such international forums reflects the diplomatic and political maturity the Gulf Cooperation Council has attained. The Council is no longer merely an economic bloc, but has become a pivotal player in conflict resolution through preventative diplomacy and successful political mediation, which has spared the region numerous calamities.
Crisis management and international partnerships
His Excellency the Secretary-General unveiled the features of the comprehensive Gulf strategy for crisis management, which is based on combining diplomatic dialogue, economic cooperation, and building a broad network of alliances. He explained that the Council has successfully forged strategic relationships with more than 23 countries and 8 influential international organizations and groups, thus enhancing its ability to positively influence complex issues and transform intertwined security, political, and economic challenges into genuine opportunities for growth and shared prosperity.
The Palestinian issue and the nuclear file
Regarding critical regional issues, Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council's unwavering principles, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause remains at the forefront of the Council's priorities. He called upon the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
His Excellency also touched on the Iranian nuclear file, stressing the need to address all security concerns related to it, and the importance of the GCC countries’ participation in any future negotiations to ensure the region’s security, and the diligent pursuit of making the Middle East a region free of weapons of mass destruction, which reflects the Gulf countries’ keenness to spare the region from arms races that drain resources and threaten peoples.
Leadership in humanitarian work
Al-Budaiwi concluded his remarks by highlighting the "soft power" of the GCC countries, embodied in their humanitarian contributions. He explained that the GCC states have been and remain at the forefront of global donor nations. He cited the GCC countries' provision of humanitarian aid exceeding $14 billion between 2020 and 2025, underscoring their moral and humanitarian commitment to supporting stability and development and assisting affected populations worldwide, far removed from any narrow political considerations.
