Zayani: Gulf States are Committed to GCC’s Unity, Role

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
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Zayani: Gulf States are Committed to GCC’s Unity, Role

GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)
GCC Secretary General Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani. (AFP)

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Abdullatif al-Zayani said on Sunday the GCC states are committed to the principles and objectives of the Council.

He said they are keen to enhance its current and future role, maintain its unity, harness its capabilities to serve GCC’s citizens and safeguard the security and stability of its member states and the region in the face of all challenges.

He praised the active role played by the GCC at the regional and global levels.

Zayani explained that it provides advice for regional and international allies and humanitarian assistance to all world countries.

He also stressed the importance of the joint Gulf response to confront challenges that threaten regional security and stability.

He also pointed out that history proves that successful nations are those that were able to build strong alliances based on solid foundations.

Zayani, who spoke at a lecture addressing students of the Saudi Command and Staff College in Riyadh, said that GCC allies and their international partners want it to continue to play its vital role in enhancing regional security and stability.

He affirmed that maintaining the strength of the Council serves the interests of its member states and the region.

He also pointed out that the GCC has passed this test for nearly 38 years and is the current best model in the region.

Zayani noted that challenges in the region may take different forms, but the Middle East peace process remains the central issue.

Yemen remains the greatest challenge for the GCC, he said, explaining that the Saudi-led coalition is continuing its mission to achieve peace in the war-torn country and eliminate the Iranian influence that threatens its security and stability.

He spoke about the efforts exerted by the GCC through the cooperative system to bolster the security of the coalition through a range of security, social and economic initiatives and projects and in the field of safety and recovery.

Later on Sunday, Zayani held talks with Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ibrahim al-Assaf to discuss issues of common interest.



Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
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Oman Warns of Escalation Risk, Qatar Pushes to Revive Talks

Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA
Qatar’s Emir receives written message from Iran’s President Pezeshkian. Photo: QNA

Oman warned on Wednesday against the growing military escalation between Israel and Iran and stepped up its diplomatic efforts to shield the region from the risk of a broader conflict.

Qatar, also intensifying its mediation, said it was working with regional and international partners to end the Israeli-Iranian confrontation. This came as Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian.

According to the Qatari state news agency, the letter focused on bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

On Tuesday, Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and advisor to the Prime Minister, said Doha was in constant contact with friends and partners in and outside the region to help end the escalating conflict.

“Qatar is engaging all parties to narrow differences and reach a scenario that puts an end to this dangerous escalation,” he said.

Al Ansari added that Qatar was working closely with regional and international actors to revive negotiations and de-escalate tensions to prevent the region from sliding into a potentially devastating war.

He said the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister had spoken with several international officials in recent days, voicing strong condemnation of Israel’s repeated violations and attacks, which he said undermine efforts to achieve peace.

Al Ansari stressed the urgent need for collective regional and global action to reduce tensions and resolve disputes through diplomacy.

In Muscat, the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Arab counterparts and key international partners, including EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas.

According to Omani sources, the discussions focused on tackling rising regional tensions triggered by Israel’s pre-emptive strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent response, part of a broader crisis that has been intensifying since early Friday.

The talks also addressed the need to align international positions, increase political and legal pressure to halt Israeli attacks, and push for comprehensive negotiations aimed at restoring stability and averting further military escalation.

Al Busaidi urged an immediate end to what he called a “tragic war threatening regional security” and called for heightened diplomatic pressure to revive a political solution.