Accra:Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, held a press conference following the ninth GCC-Russia Strategic Dialogue Ministerial Meeting. The event, which took place in Bahrain, aimed to enhance the partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Russia, focusing on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting reviewed the implementation of the 2023-2028 Joint Action Plan, with both sides agreeing to boost collaboration in areas such as energy, transport, food security, investment, and culture. The ministers also discussed regional and international security challenges, emphasizing the importance of coordination at the UN Security Council.
The discussions highlighted Iranian attacks on GCC states and disruptions in key maritime routes. Dr. Al Zayani stressed the necessity of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and urged Russia to leverage its influence with Iran to ensure compliance. The talks also covered Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, with Dr. Al Zayani reaffirming GCC solidarity with the kingdom and welcoming a UN Security Council statement condemning these actions.
Other regional issues discussed included the Palestinian situation, efforts to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza, and the Ukraine crisis. Dr. Al Zayani emphasized Bahrain's refusal to engage in collective GCC meetings with Iran until diplomatic relations are restored on a sound basis.
Lavrov reiterated Russia's commitment to strengthening ties with the GCC and highlighted opportunities for expanding economic and trade relations. He also reaffirmed support for the Palestinian people's rights and emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to regional conflicts.
Secretary-General Albudaiwi thanked Bahrain for hosting the meeting and noted the progress in GCC-Russia relations since the dialogue framework's inception in 2011. He highlighted the Joint Action Plan's focus on areas such as political dialogue, trade, and energy, aiming to further strengthen cooperation between the two sides.