UNSC reaffirms support for GCC sovereignty and regional stability

April 03, 2026 / 12:03 AM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The UN Security Council has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and regional safety of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states, praising their contributions to international peace and security. The announcement was made in a presidential statement issued during a high-level briefing at UN headquarters in New York, chaired by Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain.

GCC contributions to peace and stability

The Council highlighted the GCC’s role in mediation, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping operations, and humanitarian activities. It acknowledged the technical and financial support the GCC provides to enhance regional and international stability.

Strengthening UN-GCC cooperation

The statement emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation between the United Nations and the GCC, particularly through regular dialogue, coordination mechanisms, and information sharing in areas such as conflict prevention, peacemaking, counter-terrorism, and humanitarian response. The Council called on the UN Secretary-General to include practical recommendations for strengthening this cooperation in his next report to both the Security Council and the General Assembly.

Addressing shared challenges

The statement encouraged joint efforts on shared challenges, including maritime, food, and water security, and stressed promoting the participation of women and youth in peace and security initiatives in line with Security Council resolutions.

Regional organisations and UN partnerships

The Security Council highlighted the pivotal role of regional organisations in addressing current challenges and underscored the need for effective partnerships with such bodies under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, while reaffirming its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.

Briefings on Cooperation and Challenges

Council members received briefings from Khaled Khiari, UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia and the Pacific, and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, on ongoing cooperation and current shared challenges between the UN and the GCC.