GCC and BRICS Eye New Growth
TDT | Manama
Email: mail@newsofbahrain.com
Bahrain called for stronger international cooperation to protect vital maritime routes and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade, as Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani addressed the expanded dialogue session of the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi.
Acting on the mandate of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council in its current session, Dr. Al Zayani represented Bahrain at the summit. The summit was held under the theme “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability” and chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The expanded dialogue brought together heads of state, government officials, and foreign ministers from BRICS member states, partner countries and invited nations.
He said the GCC and BRICS countries have developed longstanding relations and partnerships covering energy, digital connectivity, food security and logistics, with significant potential to expand mutual investment and cooperation.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the digital economy, financial technology, artificial intelligence, clean-energy technologies and food supply chains as areas where greater cooperation could deliver tangible benefits for people across the GCC, BRICS countries and the Global South.
Turning to maritime security, Dr. Al Zayani said economic resilience depends not only on innovation but also on protecting the routes through which international trade moves.
He pointed to the Arabian Gulf’s strategic role and highlighted the Strait of Hormuz, Bab Al Mandab and the Red Sea as vital maritime corridors for energy, food and goods. He said their security and stability are a shared interest for BRICS countries and the wider international community.
Recent events, he said, have shown that disruption to a strategic maritime route can have consequences far beyond its immediate geographical area, affecting energy prices, transportation and insurance costs, supply chains, food security and the ability of less-developed countries to withstand cross-border crises.
Dr. Al Zayani stressed that safeguarding freedom of navigation and the uninterrupted flow of international trade, while respecting international law and particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, is a shared responsibility.
He said maritime security cannot be separated from the wider security and stability of the region, stressing that sustainable security requires more than military measures.
According to Dr. Al Zayani, dialogue and diplomacy, respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs and the peaceful settlement of disputes remain essential to achieving lasting regional security.
He also highlighted the importance of multilateral organisations and frameworks such as BRICS in strengthening dialogue, cooperation and collective responses to global challenges in line with the UN Charter and international law.
Referring to conflicts and crises across Palestine, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria and Sudan, he stressed the need for fair political solutions that preserve national sovereignty, strengthen security and stability, support recovery and reconstruction, and create the conditions for lasting peace and development.
He affirmed that the GCC will remain committed to international efforts aimed at strengthening peace, security and stability and building a safer and more sustainable future based on dialogue, cooperation and mutual benefit.
Strengthening Gulf Coordination
Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani meets Prince Faisal bin Farhan in New Delhi to discuss regional developments and closer coordination.
Trade Ties Discussed
The meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangkeow explored stronger cooperation and regional issues.
New Avenues Explored
Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif Al Zayani met the Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira in New Delhi to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.
Related Posts