HE GCCSG: Gulf-French Partnership Serves as Vital Pillar for Regional Stability and Broader Strategic Cooperation, Anchored in Shared Visions and Deep-Rooted Ties
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), underscored that relations between GCC member states and the French Republic are grounded in an enduring alliance, mutual interests, and unified visions. He underlined the importance of continually advancing this collaboration across diverse sectors to serve common objectives and foster peace, security, and stability regionally and internationally.
His Excellency’s remarks were delivered during the GCC-France Joint Ministerial Meeting convened in New York on Monday (21 September 2026), co-chaired by His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council, and His Excellency Mr Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic, with the participation of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Foreign Ministers of the GCC member states.
“The GCC views France as a pivotal international partner both bilaterally and within the wider GCC-European Union (EU) framework,” His Excellency stated, commending Paris for its proactive role in bolstering ties between the Council and the EU. In this context, he expressed the GCC’s anticipation that the Second GCC-EU Summit, scheduled to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 24 October 2026, will mark a decisive milestone in elevating cooperation and delivering concrete outcomes across shared priorities.
“The GCC General Secretariat has maintained active coordination with French authorities regarding the draft Joint Action Plan. An updated version has been finalised encompassing mechanisms for collaboration in political, security, military, economic, technological, educational, and energy fields,” His Excellency added. He voiced hope for concluding the requisite procedures for its formal adoption at the earliest opportunity.
On the economic front, His Excellency highlighted the robust commercial engagement between the two sides, noting that bilateral trade volume has surpassed €60 billion—a figure that embodies immense potential for expanded commerce, mutual investment, and joint ventures in high-priority industries.
Turning to regional security, His Excellency the Secretary General observed that the ministerial meeting takes place amid highly delicate geopolitical circumstances, pointing to the Iranian attacks that have targeted vital installations and diplomatic premises across GCC states since 28 February 2026, notwithstanding that GCC countries were not party to the hostilities and have relentlessly pursued mediation to contain escalation.
His Excellency stressed the GCC’s unwavering stance demanding the safety of international maritime corridors and freedom of navigation, urging strict adherence to the United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 2817, the full restoration of maritime traffic in the Straits of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab to pre-28 February 2026 conditions, and the rejection of any unilateral levies or impediments imposed on transit rights. In this regard, he commended France’s principled position condemning attacks against GCC states and its active contribution to international efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Reaffirming the centrality of the Palestinian cause, His Excellency emphasised the imperative of ending the Israeli occupation and establishing an independent Palestinian state along the 4 June 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, pursuant to the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant resolutions of international legitimacy.
He lauded France’s decision to recognise the State of Palestine, its diplomatic synergy alongside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to implement the two-state solution, and its firm stance against illegal settlement expansion and settler violence. Furthermore, he praised French initiatives backing Lebanon, notably the convening of the Paris Conference in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces.
Concluding his address, His Excellency emphasised that the GCC-French partnership extends beyond addressing immediate challenges toward forging a forward-looking vision for lasting prosperity and peace. He noted that convergent political will, shared values, and mutual interests provide a resilient springboard to broaden bilateral engagement across political, defence, economic, investment, technological, energy, and educational domains.
