The 46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit concluded in Bahrain on Wednesday with the issuance of the pivotal Sakhir Declaration, marking a significant strengthening of regional unity and security cooperation. Leaders from the six-member bloc unanimously affirmed that their national securities are fundamentally indivisible, establishing that any sovereignty violation against one member constitutes a direct threat to collective security.
The comprehensive declaration outlines five core principles guiding future cooperation: deepening regional integration across all sectors; maintaining sovereignty and rejecting foreign interference; advancing economic and technological development; promoting environmental sustainability; and combating terrorism through enhanced international partnerships.
Notably, the summit emphasized respect for regional sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs while rejecting the use of force. The declaration welcomed outcomes from the recent Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit and reiterated firm support for the two-state solution to the Palestinian conflict, committing to humanitarian aid delivery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Economically, leaders stressed the importance of strengthening the GCC Common Market and Customs Union while enhancing digital infrastructure integration, e-commerce facilitation, and shared digital payment systems. The declaration specifically highlighted cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and technological advancement through a joint GCC strategy.
Environmental commitments included promoting sustainable initiatives, addressing climate change challenges, reducing carbon emissions, and advancing clean energy projects. On security matters, the GCC pledged to combat extremism, terrorism, hate speech, and transnational organized crime while supporting joint naval forces headquartered in Bahrain.
The summit additionally expressed support for Bahrain’s representation of the Arab Group in the UN Security Council and celebrated strengthened relations with Italy, agreeing to establish a joint action plan for a comprehensive strategic partnership following productive discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.