Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, affirmed the Gulf Cooperation Council’s (GCC) commitment to the security, stability, and aspirations of its member states by fostering economic citizenship, progress, prosperity, and constructive cooperation to establish regional and international peace and cultural dialogue.

Highlighting the GCC as a model of comprehensive and sustainable strategic partnership, the minister lauded the council’s continuous accomplishments that benefit all GCC citizens, emphasising the GCC’s strong and cohesive cultural and civilisational values and its impactful role on the regional and international stages through visionary and balanced diplomacy.

The foreign minister congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain and the leaders of the GCC states on the 43rd anniversary of the council’s founding on 25 May 1981.

In a statement to Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the ocassion, Al Zayani emphasised Bahrain’s commitment, as a founding member of the GCC and current chair of the Arab Summit, to advancing Gulf developmental and integrative achievements and deepening Arab and international partnerships to resolve regional and international conflicts.

He praised the GCC’s success as a pivotal partner in promoting regional and international peace and stability, and supporting sustainable development goals through its strategic partnerships and dialogues with numerous countries and international groups.

He affirmed that the GCC countries are well-positioned to progress towards a Gulf union, given their strong and deep-rooted historical ties, geographic and cultural proximity, shared religion, language, common goals, and destiny. He acknowledged the visionary leadership and the unity of their people as key factors in facing challenges and achieving common aspirations for enhanced security, stability, sustainable development, and comprehensive prosperity.