Gulf bloc rejects use of force, warns violation of any member’s sovereignty direct threat to collective security

By Mohammad Sio

ISTANBUL (AA) - Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) said Wednesday that any violation of a member state’s sovereignty represents a direct threat to the bloc’s collective security, reaffirming their rejection of the use of force or threats against any GCC country in their final communique at the 46th summit in Manama, Bahrain.

The leaders highlighted in the statement the GCC’s commitment to strengthening long-standing ties among its member states, calling the bloc’s unity essential to achieving stability, security, progress and prosperity.

The summit affirmed a continued push toward deeper coordination and integration across political, security, economic and social sectors, with the goal of advancing the “desired unity” of the GCC and serving shared interests.

The leaders expressed satisfaction with “the significant achievements in joint Gulf action,” citing progress in defense and security cooperation, balanced diplomatic positions and sustainable development projects.

They reiterated respect for the sovereignty of members and all countries in the region, rejecting the use of force or threat thereof and any interference in internal affairs, underscoring the principle that the security and stability of GCC states is indivisible.

“Any infringement on the sovereignty of a member state constitutes a direct threat to the collective security of the council,” the statement said.

Kuwait’s Emir Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani joined the gathering.

The summit marked Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s first appearance at a GCC summit since 2020, representing Oman’s highest-level participation in 14 years. Muscat has typically sent ministers to previous summits.