Gulf stability central to global economy and maritime security, says GCC Secretary‑General
GCC Secretary‑General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi told Globsec 2026 delegates that Gulf stability is essential for global economic resilience and the security of international shipping lanes.
GCC Secretary-General’s remarks in Prague
Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary‑General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, addressed a session on Gulf‑European strategic relations at the Globsec 2026 security forum in Prague.
He said Gulf stability remains a cornerstone for global economic stability and the safe passage of maritime trade, highlighting the region’s outsized role in energy and supply chains.
Albudaiwi reiterated the GCC’s long‑standing commitment to strengthening security, stability and prosperity across the region.
His remarks framed the GCC‑EU strategic partnership as a vehicle to manage accelerating geopolitical change and rising economic and security challenges.
GCC participation at Globsec 2026
The GCC delegation’s presence at Globsec 2026 underscored the council’s intent to engage actively in international security dialogues.
Albudaiwi described participation as a demonstration of the council’s readiness to exchange views with policymakers, experts and international partners.
Officials said the engagement aims to deepen cooperation on shared threats and to coordinate diplomatic and policy responses.
The platform also served to reinforce ties with European counterparts ahead of a planned Gulf‑European summit.
Security of maritime and air corridors
Albudaiwi stressed that protecting maritime and air corridors is vital to maintaining uninterrupted supply chains and energy markets.
He warned that instability in the Gulf or adjacent sea lanes would have immediate repercussions for European energy security and global trade flows.
The secretary‑general called for intensified diplomatic efforts to safeguard freedom of navigation and the integrity of commercial routes.
He emphasized the need for cooperative measures that secure shipping, protect critical infrastructure and ensure resilience against disruptions.
Diplomatic efforts to defuse regional tensions
The GCC, he said, has pursued continuous diplomatic channels to reduce escalation and contain tensions in the region.
Albudaiwi pointed to sustained diplomatic engagement aimed at de‑escalation and the promotion of dialogue to prevent wider instability.
Such efforts, he argued, are essential to preserve regional security and the safety of local populations.
He urged international partners to support initiatives that advance conflict avoidance and constructive negotiation.
Interdependence of Europe and the Gulf
Albudaiwi highlighted a growing interdependence between Europe and the Middle East, noting that disruptions in the Gulf now reverberate across global markets.
He said any significant disturbance in Gulf waters or adjacent corridors could directly affect European economies, energy supplies and wider international stability.
The secretary‑general framed Gulf stability as not merely a regional priority but a shared international interest.
He called on European partners to view cooperation with the GCC through the lens of mutual security and economic resilience.
Expectations ahead of the Gulf‑European summit
Looking forward, Albudaiwi said both sides anticipate expanding their partnership into broader areas of cooperation.
He suggested the upcoming Gulf‑European summit offers an opportunity to translate strategic dialogue into concrete initiatives that serve both regions.
Officials at the forum signalled hopes for tangible outcomes in trade, energy security and coordinated crisis response.
The GCC aims for results that reinforce existing cooperation and open new avenues for joint action on security and economic challenges.
The GCC’s statements at Globsec 2026 in Prague reaffirmed the council’s message that bolstering Gulf stability is integral to preserving global economic confidence and safeguarding the international flow of goods and energy.