GCC Ministers Review Gulf Free Trade Talks and Regional Security

His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the 165th regular session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council held today in Kuwait. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, Kuwait’s Foreign Minister and current head of the Ministerial Council, and attended by foreign ministers from all GCC member states, along with Mr. Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC.

The council discussed key agenda items, including the follow-up on previous decisions of the GCC Supreme Council and the Ministerial Council. Ministers reviewed recommendations from specialized committees and councils, as well as reports from the GCC Secretariat aimed at enhancing cooperation across various sectors.

The meeting also covered updates on the Gulf free trade agreement negotiations with countries and international groups, and reviewed outcomes from joint meetings between the GCC and friendly nations and international blocs, focusing on initiatives that strengthen regional collaboration.

Regional developments and their impact on security and stability were also discussed. Ministers addressed ongoing efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians without obstacles. Issues related to maintaining regional security and stability were also reviewed.

Bahrain’s delegation included His Excellency Ambassador Salah Ali Al-Maliki, Bahrain’s Ambassador to Kuwait; Ambassador Sheikh Abdullah bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ambassador Mohammed Abdulrahman Al-Haidan, Acting Head of the GCC Affairs Sector; and other accompanying officials.