HE GCCSG Highlights GCC’s Comprehensive Vision for Crisis Preparedness at the “Reinforcing Resilience in the Mediterranean” Session, Affirming GCC-EU Partnership as a Model of Cross-Border Cooperation
nabd-alhadath ـ Ahmed Bin Abdulqader
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the session titled “Reinforcing Resilience in the Mediterranean region through Dialogue, Coordination, and Partnerships.” This session took place as part of the 10th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) today, Thursday, November 27, 2025, at the Palau Pedralbes in Barcelona.
During the session, which was attended by a number of ministers, experts, and policymakers, His Excellency reviewed practical models of GCC-Mediterranean cooperation. He underscored that the partnership between the GCC and the European Union (EU) stands as one of the most successful examples of cross-border cooperation, having achieved direct, on-the-ground impact across security, energy, the economy, and regional stability. His Excellency noted that joint summits, institutional mechanisms, and agreed-upon action plans have contributed to establishing an effective approach built on clear objectives and tangible progress across various tracks of cooperation.
Addressing the most prominent opportunities to elevate regional resilience, His Excellency underlined that the current phase presents a practical opportunity to launch joint initiatives between GCC states and their international partners. These initiatives focus on energy security, electrical interconnection, facilitating trade and logistics, and exchanging technology and knowledge—particularly in the fields of water, resource management, early warning systems, and disaster response. He also highlighted the pivotal role that sustainable GCC investments can play in the water, energy, and agriculture sectors of many countries, which have already resulted in impactful development projects improving the lives of citizens.
In response to a question regarding practical tools capable of achieving immediate impact, His Excellency asserted that advanced technologies in renewable energy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) represent a promising pathway for bolstering regional resilience.
He pointed out that these technologies drive direct improvements in production efficiency, electrical grid management, and the readiness of vital sectors. Furthermore, he stressed the significance of bolstering security cooperation to combat organised crime and cross-border smuggling, alongside protecting maritime navigation in the Red Sea given its direct implications for global trade and the stability of supply chains.
His Excellency concluded his participation in the dialogue session by emphasising the necessity of protecting critical infrastructure, upgrading the exchange of expertise, and developing open-source tools to support joint efforts in confronting increasing cyber risks.
