Doha: His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, welcomed the Foreign Ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states during the 49th Extraordinary Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council. The meeting focused on regional security following the recent Iranian attack on Al Udeid Air Base.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Amir expressed gratitude to the GCC leaders for their solidarity and condemnation of the Iranian actions, which he described as a severe breach of Qatar's sovereignty and a violation of international norms and the United Nations Charter. He conveyed hopes that the meeting's outcomes would bolster regional security and stability.
Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, relayed greetings from His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa to Sheikh Tamim, wishing for Qatar's continued security and prosperity. Dr. Al Zayani reiterated Bahrain's full support for Qatar, strongly condemning the Iranian attack as an infringement of sovereignty and a breach of international law.
Sheikh Tamim expressed appreciation for Bahrain's supportive stance, highlighting the strong bilateral ties and unity within the GCC. He emphasized the importance of Gulf unity in addressing shared challenges and threats.
The GCC Foreign Ministers collectively affirmed their support for Qatar, labeling the attack as a significant violation of Qatari sovereignty and a threat to the security of all GCC nations. They stressed that the security of the GCC is indivisible and pledged unity in confronting any threats to regional stability.
Discussions during the meeting also addressed enhancing mechanisms for Gulf cooperation and exchanging perspectives on regional and international developments. The ministers emphasized peaceful and diplomatic solutions to issues affecting the region's security and stability.