The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jassem Al-Budaiwi, affirmed that the Council has become a fundamental pillar in the equation of international security, emphasizing that the Gulf states are not merely entities defending their own interests, but rather indispensable partners in ensuring the stability of the region and the world. This came during his active participation in the 62nd Munich Security Conference, one of the most important international platforms for discussing security and defense policies.

During a panel discussion organized by the Atlantic Council in Munich, Germany, entitled "A Vision for the New Middle East: The Future of Regional Integration," Al-Budaiwi explained that the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states share a unified strategic vision that recognizes Gulf security as an integral part of global security. He noted that the region is undergoing historical turning points and facing complex geopolitical challenges that necessitate international cooperation and an approach based on dialogue and diplomacy rather than conflict.

A comprehensive strategy to address the challenges

In discussing the mechanisms employed by the Council, Al-Budaiwi revealed that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has adopted a comprehensive and flexible crisis management strategy. This strategy does not rely solely on traditional security solutions, but rather combines effective political mediation, fruitful economic cooperation, and the building of a broad network of international partnerships. He noted the Council's success in forging strategic relationships with more than 23 countries and 8 major international organizations and groups, reflecting the significant diplomatic weight the Gulf Cooperation Council enjoys today.

Regional issues: Palestine and the Iranian nuclear program

The Secretary-General addressed the core issues that constitute the priorities of Gulf foreign policy, emphasizing that the Palestinian cause remains at the forefront of the Council's concerns. He reiterated the call for a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, considering this the key to stability in the Middle East.

Al-Badawi also stressed the importance of seriously addressing the Iranian nuclear issue, calling for the inclusion of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in any future negotiations on the matter. He explained that regional security requires genuine guarantees to make the Middle East a zone free of weapons of mass destruction, while respecting the sovereignty of states and adhering to the principles of good neighborliness and international law.

A leading humanitarian role globally

Al-Budaiwi did not overlook the humanitarian role played by the GCC countries, presenting figures that reflect the scale of the Gulf's contribution to global development. He noted that the GCC countries provided more than $14 billion in humanitarian aid between 2020 and 2025. These figures confirm that the GCC exports not only security and energy, but also hope and development, transforming humanitarian challenges into opportunities for a dignified life, thus solidifying its position as a responsible international actor striving to achieve shared prosperity for humanity.

As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to enhance cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the countries of the Horn of Africa, His Excellency President Isaias Afwerki of Eritrea received today in the capital Asmara His Excellency Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Engineer Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji, who is on an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries.

Exchange of messages and confirmation of the depth of relations

The meeting began with His Excellency Engineer Waleed Al-Khuraiji conveying the greetings and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Prime Minister – may God protect them – and their wishes for further progress and prosperity for the government and people of Eritrea. For his part, the Eritrean President asked His Excellency to convey his greetings and appreciation to the wise leadership of the Kingdom, expressing his wishes for the Kingdom's continued development and well-being.

During the meeting, a comprehensive review of bilateral relations and ways to strengthen and develop them across various political and economic fields was conducted, in order to serve mutual interests. The two sides also discussed the latest regional and international developments and efforts to enhance security and stability in the region.

Strategic importance and regional dimensions

This visit is of particular importance given Eritrea's strategic location on the Red Sea coast, which aligns with Saudi Arabia's interest in the security and stability of this vital waterway. These discussions are a continuation of the Kingdom's leading role in strengthening security in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region, where Eritrea is an active member of the Council of Arab and African States Bordering the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, established in Riyadh.

The visit also reflects the Saudi leadership’s keenness to sustain stability in the Horn of Africa region, based on the Kingdom’s great diplomatic legacy, which was previously crowned by sponsoring the historic peace agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea in Jeddah in 2018, which confirms the depth of ties and mutual trust between Riyadh and Asmara.

Bilateral talks with the Eritrean Foreign Minister

In a related development, Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji held a bilateral meeting with Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh. The meeting addressed mechanisms for developing bilateral relations in several vital sectors, as well as discussing issues of common interest.

The two meetings were attended by the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to Eritrea, Meshal bin Sanjar Al-Ruqi, reflecting the high-level diplomatic interest in the outcomes of this visit and its expected positive impact on the course of relations between the two countries.

His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, the Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, received a telephone call today, Friday, from His Excellency Sergey Lavrov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. This call comes within the framework of ongoing consultations between the two friendly countries to enhance joint coordination on various issues.

Strengthening joint cooperation

During the call, the two sides discussed the full spectrum of bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation, exploring ways to develop and enhance them across various fields to serve the interests of both countries and their friendly peoples. The ministers emphasized the importance of continued joint efforts to propel relations toward broader horizons, particularly in light of the strategic partnerships that unite Riyadh and Moscow.

Coordinating positions on regional and international issues

The call addressed a number of topics and issues of mutual interest at both the regional and international levels. These discussions are of particular importance given the pivotal role both countries play in dealing with pressing issues in the Middle East region, and their efforts to promote international peace and security.

In a related context, Saudi-Russian relations are seen as a key pillar in the stability of global energy markets, as the two countries lead the OPEC+ alliance, which aims to maintain market balance and ensure energy supplies, reflecting the depth of economic and strategic cooperation between them.

The importance of timing and political context

This contact comes at a time of rapid geopolitical shifts in the region and the world, necessitating intensified consultations among influential global powers. These discussions underscore the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's diplomatic approach, which is based on diversifying international partnerships and engaging with all relevant actors, thereby strengthening its position as a peacemaker and a reliable partner in addressing international crises.

The call also reflects the Russian side’s keenness to coordinate with the Kingdom on sensitive issues, given the Kingdom’s political, religious and economic weight, and its ability to lead initiatives that contribute to reducing escalation and resolving conflicts peacefully in the region.