KUWAIT CITY, Oct 6: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Al-Budaiwi affirmed Sunday that the GCC regards the European Union (EU) as a strategic partner in advancing international peace and security. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation to address regional challenges, stabilize global energy markets, secure maritime routes, and protect critical waterways.

Al-Budaiwi made the remarks during his address at the opening of the Second High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation between the GCC and the EU, hosted by the State of Kuwait with the participation of foreign ministers and senior officials from both sides. The forum precedes the 29th GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Meeting, scheduled to take place on Monday.

The forum is chaired on the Gulf side by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, the current Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council, and on the European side by Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that the GCC’s regional security vision is grounded in fostering strategic relations and establishing effective partnerships to resolve conflicts and de-escalate tensions that threaten the stability of the region and beyond. He warned that protracted regional crises cast long shadows over essential sectors such as energy security and freedom of navigation.

He called for a unified international stance and collective responsibility to confront the growing geopolitical tensions, urging immediate and decisive action to halt violence in the Palestinian territories. He described the Israeli military operations in Gaza and the violations against civilians and neighboring countries as posing a "grave threat" to regional peace and stability.

Al-Budaiwi underscored the GCC’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause, calling for an immediate end to Israeli military actions and for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. He stressed the need to support the Palestinian people in achieving their legitimate right to establish an independent state in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant UN resolutions.

Turning to Iran, the Secretary-General voiced concern over the ongoing ambiguity surrounding the Iranian nuclear file, saying it constitutes a direct threat to regional security. He called on Tehran to provide transparent answers regarding its nuclear activities and to cease high-level uranium enrichment. He also urged all regional parties to exercise restraint to prevent further military escalation.

Addressing the war in Ukraine, Al-Budaiwi reiterated the GCC’s firm stance grounded in international law and the United Nations Charter. He emphasized the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and called for peaceful dialogue and diplomatic solutions to end the conflict. He noted the GCC’s role in humanitarian initiatives and mediation efforts, including the successful exchange of prisoners and support for global food security through the facilitation of grain exports.

Al-Budaiwi described the second GCC-EU forum as a critical platform for consultation, coordination, and strategic dialogue. He expressed hope that its outcomes would contribute to enhancing regional and global security, bolstering stability, and fostering shared prosperity between the Gulf and European partners.