Dec. 1, Manama (BNA): Under the direction and vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom of Bahrain continues to place a high premium on promoting cooperative efforts among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations. His Majesty’s deep belief in the GCC’s essential role and noble objectives highlights its importance in achieving the aspirations of Gulf nations and peoples toward solidarity, unity, and sustainable development.
HM King reinforces Bahrain’s long-standing commitment to Gulf solidarity
Since His Majesty the King came to power in March 1999 and even earlier when he was Crown Prince, it has become evident that Bahrain’s foreign policy is based on the Gulf circle. For His Majesty, the GCC stands as the “Home of the Gulf,” a stable framework created to advance the objectives of its member states toward progress and true unity.
The National Action Charter, which was introduced as the cornerstone of His Majesty’s reform initiative and approved by 98.4% of voters in 2001, firmly upheld this vision and included a whole chapter (Chapter Six) on Gulf ties.
The Charter said 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.” Additionally, it reaffirmed Bahrain’s steadfast commitment to supporting the GCC and the righteous causes of its fellow member states as a fundamental pillar of national policy and emphasized the Council’s role as a safeguard for the independence and sovereignty of its members.
This ingrained Gulf perspective is further emphasized by Bahrain’s Constitution. Its preamble affirms the Kingdom’s “Present and destiny-bound connection” to the GCC, its dedication to Islamic principles, and its membership in the Arab world.
His Majesty the King has consistently emphasized the importance of coordinated Gulf action in his addresses over the years. His Majesty emphasized the significance of fortifying the GCC as a cornerstone of the larger Arab world in his National Day speech on December 16, 1999. He further expressed Bahrain’s satisfaction in the GCC and the common goal of attaining unity and cooperation among its members and peoples in his speech at the start of the GCC Summit, which Bahrain hosted in December 2000.
The importance of Gulf cooperation as part of a larger framework of Arab, regional, and international partnership—one that improves security and stability and fosters the prosperity and development of the region’s peoples—has been repeatedly emphasized by His Majesty in his remarks at Gulf summits.
From these remarks and positions, several major themes emerge. First of all, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) represents a shared destiny and strategic decision in the face of changing regional and global dynamics by embodying the true ties of kinship, shared heritage, and shared values among Gulf peoples.
Secondly, pride in the GCC’s successes across political, economic, security, military, social, and cultural realms, combined with the need to protect and build upon them. This includes the advancement of economic integration, which has made major strides toward all-encompassing development.
Furthermore, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is acknowledged as a strong Gulf and Arab organization that can overcome obstacles, protect its member states, and continue its objective of advancing stability and prosperity throughout the region.
Additionally, there is a desire to further solidify the GCC’s position and promote a revitalized cooperative strategy that satisfies present demands and aspirations for the future. At the 30th Gulf Summit in Kuwait in 2009, His Majesty presented Bahrain’s vision for the GCC’s development. The Supreme Council praised this initiative in its final communiqué.
In order to improve coordination, unite stances, and promote the advancement of unified Gulf action, His Majesty also places a high value on keeping in constant contact with GCC leaders through frequent visits and meetings.
Backed by this royal support, Bahrain moment hosts multitudinous services and institutions combined with the GCC Secretariat- General, including the Administrative 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 Dispatches of the Cooperation Council States. The Kingdom also hosts multiple specialized and administrative Gulf meetings throughout the time.
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 constantly played an active and sincere part in supporting common Gulf action. Through its foreign policy and tactfulness, the Kingdom has contributed to strengthening Gulf concinnity and buttressing solidarity on critical indigenous and transnational issues.
