GCC leaders: Gulf security and prosperity are “indivisible” at Manama summit

Opening the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Bahrain, King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa said the security and prosperity of GCC states are “indivisible,” urging deeper solidarity and faster integration across the bloc.

Key takeaways

Shared security: King Hamad stressed that Gulf security is a single, unified concern and said leaders discussed regional flashpoints alongside plans to strengthen GCC integration.

Gaza ceasefire push: He called for finalizing the first-phase ceasefire framework in Gaza. GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi praised Qatar, Egypt, and Türkiye for mediation efforts and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in advancing a two-state solution.

Saudi participation: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Manama to head Saudi Arabia’s delegation and co-chair the 4th Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council meeting.

Kuwait’s stance: Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah said the GCC has weathered complex regional and global challenges and reiterated that Qatar’s security is integral to all Gulf states.

Broader trajectory: Established in 1981, the six-member GCC (HQ: Riyadh) aims to move into a “deeper phase” of cooperation, expanding its regional weight and global partnerships.

Context: The summit comes amid efforts to consolidate a Gaza truce framework, manage spillover risks in the region, and accelerate GCC economic and security integration.