The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers have strongly condemned the recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s right to self-defense. During the 168th GCC Ministerial Council meeting held in Bahrain, officials expressed grave concerns over the security implications of these assaults on regional stability.
Bahrain’s Foreign Minister, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, highlighted the interconnected nature of Saudi Arabia’s security with that of other GCC member states. He criticized the attacks targeting civilians, airports, and infrastructure, labeling them as violations of international law.
Jasem Albudaiwi, the GCC Secretary-General, echoed these sentiments, warning that ongoing attacks on airports and energy facilities pose a significant threat to regional security. He urged the international community to take action to halt these attacks and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Beyond the condemnation of the Houthi attacks, the ministers also addressed broader regional issues, including escalating tensions in Yemen and threats to maritime navigation in the Arabian Gulf, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz. Albudaiwi condemned Iranian aggression towards GCC countries, stressing the need for adherence to national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The GCC meeting was succeeded by the ninth joint ministerial meeting of the Gulf-Russia Strategic Dialogue, focusing on enhancing cooperation and discussing regional and international issues. This dialogue underscores the GCC’s commitment to fostering diplomatic solutions and strengthening partnerships in the face of regional challenges.