ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Thursday issued its first-ever presidential statement on closer cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to address regional challenges, including maritime security, terrorism, and food and water security.

The statement, submitted by Bahrain's UN representative in his capacity as Council President for April, recognizes the GCC’s "position and expertise" in promoting regional peace and security, and acknowledges its "contributions to regional and international stability through mediation, preventive diplomacy, technical and financial support, and humanitarian engagement."

The Council requested that the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, include recommendations on strengthening institutional ties with the GCC in his next report, and encouraged regular briefings by the GCC Secretary-General.

"The ongoing escalation underlines the urgent need for coordinated multilateral action," said Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General, stressing the importance of “strengthened” UN-GCC cooperation.

He highlighted the GCC's role in de-escalating regional tensions, supporting mediation in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, and its cooperation with the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism.

'Cornerstone of the global economy'

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Albudaiwi told the Council the bloc is a "cornerstone of the global economy", noting its combined output exceeded $2.3 trillion in 2024 and its members’ major contribution to global oil and gas supplies.

He warned that instability in the Gulf carries global consequences. "Stability in the Arabian Gulf is not merely a regional concern, but is rather a global necessity," he said.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid al Zayani announced that his country had submitted a separate draft resolution to the Council addressing what he described as Iran's "unlawful and unjustified" attempts to control navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with a vote expected Friday.

Delegates from the United Kingdom and France backed GCC states' right to defend their sovereignty, with France stating Iran "bears the primary responsibility for the current escalation."

Russia countered that the conflict was "the direct result of an unprovoked act of aggression by the United States and Israel against Iran's territory." China and Pakistan jointly called for an immediate ceasefire and the launch of peace talks.

The GCC, founded in 1981, comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

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UNSC backs stronger cooperation with Gulf bloc in first-ever presidential statement