The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, introduced five essential pillars for regional security at the third general session of the 22nd Manama Security Dialogue. He emphasized that the security of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries is indivisible and that the stability of the Gulf is the cornerstone of international peace and security.
Security Challenges and Diplomatic Efforts
Al-Budaiwi continued his remarks by referring to events that have harmed regional security since February 28, condemning Iran's attacks on the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and their vital facilities. He emphasized that the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are not proponents of war and are striving to help reduce tensions through diplomacy.
He also mentioned the impact of these attacks on the global economy and disruptions in shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that energy prices and international supply chains have been affected.
Five Pillars of Regional Security
Al-Budaiwi then referred to five key pillars for regional security. The first pillar is respect for international law and the sovereignty of neighboring countries. He referenced UN Security Council Resolution 2817, presented by Bahrain on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan.
The second pillar is collective defense and military integration in the Gulf. Al-Budaiwi mentioned the readiness of the armed forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council to confront threats and referred to the acceleration of completing the early warning system against ballistic missiles.
The third pillar is diplomacy, which includes the cooperation of the Gulf Cooperation Council with the United States and Europe, as well as communications with China and India. He emphasized the importance of responsible responses from all parties.
The fourth pillar is maritime and energy security, which Al-Budaiwi considered a shared international responsibility. He also stressed the need to stop attacks and restore the situation to what it was before February 28.
The fifth pillar is stability through development and international cooperation. He emphasized the Gulf Cooperation Council's support for the legitimate government of Yemen and a comprehensive political solution, introducing the resolution of the Palestinian conflict as a fundamental condition for sustainable peace.
On the sidelines of this dialogue, Al-Budaiwi met with various officials, including the EU Special Representative and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense, to discuss military cooperation and political developments.
