The 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain placed global crises at the forefront of its agenda, with Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani announcing that Gulf leaders delivered a unified and far-reaching set of positions on Palestine, regional conflicts and evolving international partnerships.
Dr Al Zayani said the Gaza war dominated discussions, with leaders reviewing ‘every dimension’ of the crisis.
He highlighted intensive GCC diplomatic efforts since the outbreak of the conflict, aimed at stopping military operations, securing the release of hostages and detainees, and ensuring the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid. The summit welcomed the outcomes of the International Conference on Peaceful Settlement, and praised the Saudi-French partnership driving efforts to implement the two-state solution.
The leaders also endorsed the agreement recently reached in Gaza under the peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump and welcomed the UN Security Council resolution supporting the plan.
They reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to an independent state in line with international legitimacy.
Dr Al Zayani said the GCC called for reason and dialogue in all conflicts – particularly in Sudan, where leaders urged a permanent ceasefire and commended the initiative of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman in inviting President Trump to join mediation efforts.
The GCC emphasised the protection of civilians and unhindered access for humanitarian relief.
On the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Dr Al Zayani said Gulf states commended efforts by member countries to promote political mediation, facilitate prisoner exchanges, reunite displaced children with families and provide humanitarian support – a reflection, he said, of the GCC’s ‘commitment to international stability and humanitarian principles’.
The summit also highlighted the growing strategic relevance of Gulf-European relations.
Dr Al Zayani noted the participation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, invited by His Majesty King Hamad.
Her discussions with GCC leaders focused on Gaza, regional stability and expanding co-operation under the 2026-2030 Joint Action Plan.
PM Meloni proposed hosting a Mediterranean-Gulf Summit next year, signalling Europe’s heightened interest in deeper Gulf partnerships.
In response to questions, Dr Al Zayani said GCC-EU co-operation ‘must not be confined to a free trade agreement alone’, stressing the bloc’s openness to multiple bilateral and collective frameworks.
On Iran, he described it as ‘a neighbouring state’, adding that Bahrain is not an obstacle to dialogue: “There is nothing preventing a return to normal relations if sincere intentions prevail,” he said.
GCC Secretary-General Jassim Al Budaiwi added that the summit was part of a consistent Gulf approach to strengthening unity while engaging the world.
He said the GCC is emerging as a proactive diplomatic actor on international crises and a central partner in global stability.
Both officials said that the summit’s outcomes reflected a Gulf region increasingly confident on the international stage – assertive in diplomacy, active in peace efforts and committed to global security and humanitarian values.
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