Russia and GCC hold strategic dialogue in Bahrain to discuss security

GCC-Russia Strategic Dialogue Sergey Lavrov regional security Middle East diplomacy Manama summit

The ninth ministerial meeting of the Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue convened in Manama, Bahrain, to discuss regional and international security. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov proposed an updated approach to collective security in the Gulf, emphasizing the importance of direct dialogue between coastal states and neighbors like Iraq and Jordan to prevent large-scale conflict.

GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi highlighted the council's commitment to strengthening ties with the Russian Federation based on mutual interests. He addressed significant regional threats, including Iranian attacks involving over 7,000 missiles and drones since February 2026, and Houthi militia strikes on Saudi Arabian infrastructure, specifically citing a fatal attack on King Khalid International Airport on October 10.

Economic cooperation remains a key pillar, with Lavrov noting that trade volume between Russia and GCC countries increased by 44 percent in 2025. The meeting also covered efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, alongside initiatives for regional economic integration and industrial competitiveness.

Entities

Bahrain · Gulf Cooperation Council · Jasem Albudaiwi · Jassim Al-Budaiwi · Manama · Russia · Russian Federation · Sergey Lavrov

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] Russia supports peacebuilding efforts by Arab nations to prevent a large-scale war in the Middle East. sarabic.ae · www.turkgun.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The GCC supports using dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the Ukrainian crisis in accordance with international law. sarabic.ae
[● 2 SOURCES] Since February 28, 2026, Iran has launched over 7,000 ballistic missiles and drones against GCC countries. www.albiladpress.com
[● 2 SOURCES] GCC countries prioritize strengthening relations with the Russian Federation based on mutual interests. www.albiladpress.com · sarabic.ae
[● 2 SOURCES] A Houthi militia attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 10 killed 12 people. www.albiladpress.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Trade volume with GCC countries increased by 44 percent in 2025. www.turkgun.com · www.benguturk.com