History and experience – particularly during times of crisis – have demonstrated that the GCC’s ‘strength lies in unity’, Saudi Ambassador Naif bin Bandar Al Sudairi has said.
In an interview with our Arabic sister paper Akhbar Al Khaleej, he described relations between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain as ‘exceptional’, stressing that they have evolved beyond conventional diplomatic ties into a fully integrated strategic partnership founded on a shared history, common destiny and deep social bonds.
Ambassador Al Sudairi said the relationship enjoys the direct patronage and attention of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Majesty King Hamad, with the continued support and close follow-up of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The Saudi-Bahraini Co-ordination Council has ushered bilateral co-operation into a new phase based on strategic planning and joint implementation, helping launch a range of high-quality initiatives across economic and development sectors, he said.
The ambassador noted that the next stage offers promising opportunities to expand co-operation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, clean energy, advanced industries and logistics.
Ambassador Al Sudairi stressed that the security of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain is inseparable, describing the close co-ordination between the two countries as a fundamental pillar in addressing regional challenges.
He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for the sovereign measures taken by Bahrain to safeguard its security and stability.
He said joint Gulf action is no longer a choice but a strategic necessity dictated by the nature of the challenges facing the region.
Based on this principle, he said, Saudi Arabia believes Gulf security is a shared responsibility and that preserving regional stability requires integrated efforts and co-ordination across security, economic, and development fields.
Ambassador Al Sudairi added that greater integration in energy, supply chains, transport, the digital economy, food security and logistics has become one of the key pillars of both national security and collective Gulf security.
The ambassador also discussed prospects for expanding economic co-operation, the role of the Saudi Fund for Development in implementing key projects in Bahrain, progress on the King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Medical City project, and the importance of the planned King Hamad Causeway in boosting trade and transport links.
He also highlighted the opportunities that Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the 2034 Fifa World Cup will create, expressing confidence that the coming period will witness even greater integration between the two countries in ways that serve the interests of their people while strengthening Gulf security and prosperity.
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