Manama, Dec. 1 (BNA):  Advancing joint cooperation among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states remains a central priority for the Kingdom of Bahrain, guided by the vision and directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.  His Majesty’s firm belief in the GCC’s crucial role and noble objectives underscores its importance in fulfilling the aspirations of Gulf nations and peoples toward solidarity, unity, and sustainable development.

Over the past years, since His Majesty the King assumed power in March 1999, and even earlier during his tenure as Crown Prince, it has become clear that the Gulf circle forms a cornerstone of Bahrain’s foreign relations.  For His Majesty, the GCC stands as the "Home of the Gulf," a stable framework designed to elevate the ambitions of its member states toward progress and true unity.

This vision was strongly affirmed in the National Action Charter, which was launched as the Foundation of His Majesty’s reform project and endorsed in 2001 by 98.4% of voters, which dedicated an entire chapter (Chapter Six) to Gulf relations.

The Charter stated that "Serious cooperation among GCC states is an urgent and essential requirement to safeguard their supreme interests, and to achieve the highest possible levels of development for its nations and peoples."  Moreover, it also highlighted the Council’s role as a protective shield for the freedom and sovereignty of its members and affirmed Bahrain’s unwavering commitment to supporting the GCC and the just causes of its fellow member states as a foundational pillar of national policy.

Bahrain’s Constitution further underscores this deep-rooted Gulf orientation. Its preamble declares the Kingdom’s adherence to Islamic principles, it's belonging to the Arab nation, and its "Present and destiny-bound connection" to the GCC.

His Majesty the King’s speeches throughout the years reflect a firm belief in the centrality of joint Gulf action.  In his National Day address of December 16, 1999, His Majesty underscored the importance of strengthening the GCC as a pillar of the wider Arab world.  His address at the opening of the GCC Summit hosted by Bahrain in December 2000 further articulated Bahrain’s pride in the GCC and the shared vision of achieving unity and cooperation among its states and peoples.

His Majesty’s statements at successive Gulf summits have consistently emphasised the vital importance of Gulf cooperation as part of a broader framework of Arab, regional, and international partnership, one that enhances security and stability, and promotes the prosperity and development of the region’s peoples.

From these remarks and positions, several key themes emerge.  Firstly, the GCC embodies the genuine bonds of kinship, shared heritage, and common values among Gulf peoples, reflecting a unified destiny and strategic choice amid shifting regional and global dynamics.

Secondly, pride in the GCC’s achievements across political, economic, security, military, social, and cultural domains, along with the need to preserve and build upon them.  This includes advancing economic integration, which has reached significant milestones on the road toward comprehensive development.

Moreover, recognition of the GCC as a resilient Gulf and Arab entity capable of confronting challenges, safeguarding member states, and sustaining its mission to promote security and prosperity across the region.

Furthermore, aspiration to further strengthen the GCC’s role and advance a renewed joint strategy that meets current needs and future ambitions. In this context, His Majesty presented Bahrain’s vision for developing the GCC during the 30th Gulf Summit in Kuwait in 2009, an initiative that was commended by the Supreme Council in its final communiqué.

His Majesty also places great importance on maintaining close communication with GCC leaders through frequent visits and meetings, which contribute to enhancing coordination, unifying positions, and supporting the progress of joint Gulf action.

Backed by this royal support, Bahrain today hosts numerous offices and institutions affiliated with the GCC Secretariat-General, including the Executive Office of GCC Ministers of Labor and Social Development, the GCC Commercial Arbitration Centre (GCCCAC), GCC Office of the Cooperation Belt Project, and the Technical Office for Communications of the Cooperation Council States.  The Kingdom also hosts multiple technical and executive Gulf meetings throughout the year.

Aligned with the leadership of His Majesty the King and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Bahrain has consistently played an active and sincere role in supporting joint Gulf action.  Through its foreign policy and diplomacy, the Kingdom has contributed to strengthening Gulf unity and reinforcing solidarity on critical regional and international issues.

Z.H, A.A