Barcelona: Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi participated in the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) event held today in Barcelona, Spain. The event witnessed the participation of numerous officials from across the Mediterranean region, according to a press release.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the secretary general underscored the necessity of joint international action to address accelerating regional challenges, foremost among them climate, economic, and humanitarian crises, as well as maritime and cyber security, and energy and food security. He underlined that these issues have become transboundary, necessitating collective action and sustainable coordination.
Moreover, the secretary general highlighted the GCC Vision for Regional Security, launched in 2024, which aims to enhance peace and stability, maintain energy supply security, ensure freedom of navigation, address climate challenges, and build economic and investment partnerships with a direct impact on sustainable development.
“The GCC maintains a vast network of international relations encompassing over 23 countries and eight organizations. This is in addition to its established strategic partnership with the European Union (EU), which was further strengthened by the convening of the first Joint Summit in Brussels in 2024, with preparations underway for the second summit to be held soon in Riyadh,” Albudaiwi said.
Furthermore, Albudaiwi addressed Gulf efforts to support peaceful resolutions to international crises, pointing to the GCC’s initiatives regarding mediation in the Ukrainian crisis and the provision of humanitarian aid. He also reiterated continued support for Syria and Lebanon, in accordance with the Ministerial Council’s resolutions, to consolidate security and stability while preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states.
Regarding the Palestinian cause, the secretary general reiterated that Palestine remains at the core of GCC priorities. He praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in launching the International Conference for Peaceful Settlement in New York, as well as the significant roles played by Saudi Arabia and France in advancing the implementation of the two-state solution. Besides, he welcomed the proposal presented by President Donald Trump to end the war in Gaza, as well as UN Security Council Resolution 2803, affirming the council’s commitment to working with regional and international partners to ensure its implementation and the protection of Palestinian civilians.
