Saudi foreign minister attends 168th GCC ministerial meeting in Manama

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah participated in the 168th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Ministerial Council, held in Manama, Bahrain, on October 18, 2026, corresponding to 7 Jumada Al-Awwal 1448 AH.

The meeting was chaired by Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, who currently presides over the council. It was attended by the foreign ministers of GCC member states and the Secretary-General of the GCC.

Gulf integration and economy

The council discussed ways to strengthen joint Gulf action and accelerate the implementation of integration projects among member states, particularly in logistics connectivity and strategic storage. According to the Saudi Press Agency, these initiatives aim to boost the efficiency of Gulf economies, enhance their ability to face crises and challenges, and achieve development and prosperity.

The meeting also reviewed efforts to enhance regional and international partnerships, expand cooperation with countries and organizations, and support Gulf industrial integration to increase the competitiveness of Gulf industries in regional and global markets.

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Attacks and maritime navigation

The council condemned the terrorist attacks by the Houthi militia targeting Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for a firm international stance against such acts.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of ensuring the restoration of free navigation and safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, and protecting regional maritime routes from threats.

The Saudi delegation also included Dr. Abdulrahman bin Ibrahim Al-Rassi, Deputy Minister for Multilateral International Affairs and Supervisor General of the Ministry’s Agency for Economic and Development Affairs, and Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, Saudi Ambassador to Bahrain.