Manama: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs, affirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain's commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and with the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to strengthening Gulf cooperation and integration during Bahrain's current presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He said Bahrain remains committed to advancing the GCC's strategic partnership in support of regional and international security, stability, peace, and prosperity. According to Bahrain News Agency, marking the 45th anniversary of the GCC's establishment, Dr. Al Zayani congratulated the leaders of the GCC states and expressed pride in the bloc's longstanding solidarity, rooted in shared history, identity, and common interests. He described the GCC as a leading regional model of defense, security, economic cooperation, and coordinated diplomacy. The Foreign Minister praised the GCC states' unified response to the Iranian attacks and threats targeting Gulf security and stability, highlighting close coordination in confronting terrorism, espionage, and interference in internal affairs based on the principle of collective security. He also commended GCC diplomatic efforts that secured broad international support through United Nations and international resolutions condemning attacks on Gulf states and maritime security, and calling on Iran to respect international law, state sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and to halt support for armed militias and attacks on civilian infrastructure. Dr. Al Zayani affirmed Bahrain's commitment, in coordination with GCC partners and the international community, to resolving regional conflicts through peaceful means, addressing security concerns related to Iran's destabilizing activities, and safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and other vital waterways in accordance with international law. He also reiterated the GCC's support for the P alestinian cause and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, alongside support for international efforts to end the war in Gaza, advance reconstruction, and revive the Middle East peace process. Dr. Al Zayani expressed appreciation to GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, as well as the General Secretariat and its affiliated bodies and offices, for their efforts in advancing Gulf cooperation across various sectors. The minister concluded by reaffirming Bahrain's commitment to strengthening Gulf coordination and integration during its GCC presidency and its non-permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council, in pursuit of a more secure, stable, and prosperous region and world.
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