Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for the Gulf states, stressing Cairo’s full solidarity in the face of Iran’s recent “unjustified and unacceptable” attacks.
Speaking during the fourth joint ministerial meeting between Egypt and the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), held via videoconference on Thursday evening, Minister Abdel-Aati underscored that Arab national security is indivisible.
He has emphasised that the security of the Gulf states constitutes an “integral component” of both Egypt’s national security and that of the wider Arab region.
The session was chaired by Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Bahraini Foreign Minister and current chair of the GCC ministerial council, and attended by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi.
According to Foreign Ministry Spokesman Tamim Khallaf, Abdel-Aati firmly rejected any attempts to undermine the sovereignty or resources of the Gulf states, as well as those of Jordan and Iraq.
The minister strongly condemned the recent assaults, reaffirming Egypt’s unwavering support for its Arab partners during this regional crisis. He stressed the urgent need for diplomacy and dialogue to prevent further escalation that could destabilise the broader region.
Minister Abdel-Aati stressed the necessity of safeguarding international maritime freedom, rejecting any attempts to disrupt navigation as a direct threat to global trade and regional security.
To counter these risks, he called for strengthening collective security frameworks and expanding co-operation through practical new mechanisms, protecting the sovereignty of all Arab states, specifically those in the Gulf, and accelerating the Arab League Joint Defence and Economic Co-operation Treaty to establish a joint Arab force capable of responding to emerging threats.
In response, GCC foreign ministers and the Secretary-General praised Egypt’s principled stance and its consistent condemnation of attacks against Gulf states. They also commended Egypt’s pivotal role in defending the Palestinian cause and promoting joint Arab action amid mounting challenges.
The meeting also reviewed the growing institutional ties between Egypt and the GCC. Ministers noted significant progress since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on Political Consultations and the adoption of the 2024–2028 Joint Action Plan.
Finally, officials highlighted the momentum from last November’s Egypt-GCC Trade and Investment Forum. They reaffirmed their commitment to deepening economic integration and elevating bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership, aimed at expanding trade and investment for mutual benefit.
