GCC regional economic and security priorities

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi has outlined key strategic objectives for the Gulf Cooperation Council, focusing on both economic integration and regional security.

During the ninth World Investment Forum in Doha, Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of economic integration with ASEAN to enhance investment flows and build resilient economies. He noted that the GCC represents a significant global force with a total GDP of approximately $2.4 trillion, suggesting that cooperation with ASEAN leverages the GCC’s energy resources and infrastructure against ASEAN’s industrial networks.

Shifting to security concerns at the Manama Dialogue 2026, Albudaiwi addressed regional threats, including Iranian attacks on civilian and vital facilities within GCC countries and disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He also condemned Houthi militia attacks against Saudi Arabia, specifically citing strikes that reached Mecca and Medina. To ensure stability, he proposed five pillars: respect for international law and sovereignty, non-interference, peaceful dispute resolution, collective defense through military integration, and the protection of maritime corridors.