GCC Council praises Oman’s role in US-Ansar Allah ceasefire

The communiqué of the 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), held in Manama, commends the Sultanate of Oman’s pivotal announcement on May 6, 2025 regarding the securing of a ceasefire between the United States of America  and Ansar Allah.

The Supreme Council specifically hails Oman’s instrumental diplomatic efforts, undertaken to safeguard international maritime navigation and trade, and its successful role in securing the release of detained crew members from the vessel “Galaxy”.

The GCC Supreme Council final statement underscores the critical imperative of maintaining maritime security and the safety of vital sea lanes. It calls for a firm response to any activities that threaten regional and global stability, including attacks on commercial shipping and the disruption of international maritime routes and commerce. The communiqué reaffirms the necessity of upholding the right to freedom of navigation in accordance with international law, particularly the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The GCC Supreme Council also hails Oman for its successful hosting of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat on February 16 and 17, 2025. The event, held under the theme “Voyage to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership,” is recognised as a significant contribution to fostering regional cooperation.

The GCC Council also takes note of the insights presented by its Advisory Board regarding previously assigned studies. These studies encompass key areas of collective interest, including strategies for confronting natural disasters, the development of unified policies and legislation regarding the adoption of  artificial intelligence and addressing obstacles to greater integration of services among the GCC member states.

The communiqué also affirms the profound historical and fraternal bonds that unite the member states and their peoples, forged by a common heritage of religion, ancestry, language and destiny.

The communiqué emphasises the critical need to reinforce these deep-rooted ties and advance integration among member states. This commitment is driven, it says, by an unwavering belief in the Council's noble objectives, a continuation of the visionary path set by the founding leaders, and a dedication to fulfilling the aspirations of GCC citizens for enhanced stability, security, progress, and prosperity.

The Leaders resolve to intensify coordination and integration across all political, security, economic, and social spheres, striving toward greater unity to serve shared fraternal interests and to bolster security, peace and prosperity both regionally and globally.

The Leaders express deep satisfaction with the tangible achievements of joint Gulf action, realised under a cohesive defence and security framework, through prudent and balanced diplomacy, and via sustainable developmental and economic initiatives. These accomplishments, they say,  reflect the Council's political cohesion and its unified vision, objectives, and stances on diverse regional and international matters.

The communiqué strongly affirms the principle of respecting the sovereignty of GCC states and all regional nations, coupled with a rejection of any interference in their internal affairs and of the use, or threat, of force. It declares that the security and stability of the GCC is indivisible, and that any violation of a member's sovereignty constitutes a direct threat to its collective security.

Demonstrating a steadfast commitment to achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East through peaceful conflict resolution, the GCC leaders welcome the outcomes of the Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit. They voice support for all regional and international endeavours to ensure full adherence to the agreement ending hostilities in Gaza, to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and reconstruction and to advance efforts leading to the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem (Al Quds Al Sharqiyah) as its capital. This is in line with the two-state solution, the Arab Peace Initiative, and pertinent international resolutions, thereby fulfilling the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people and the region for a life of security and peace.

The communiqué outlines a forward-looking agenda for economic advancement. The GCC Leaders stress the importance of finalising the GCC Common Market and Customs Union, boosting trade and tourism, and channeling investment into strategic sectors—especially infrastructure, transport, energy, communications, water, and food security.

Accelerating digital infrastructure integration, fostering e-commerce, and developing joint digital payment and cloud service systems are highlighted as key to achieving full economic citizenship and sustainable, inclusive development.

The Leaders pledge to persist with economic diversification, championing an innovation-driven and sustainable economy to secure lasting prosperity. They underscore the necessity of a unified Gulf strategy to enhance cooperation in technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. This aims to promote knowledge integration, share digital transformation expertise, combat cybercrime, ensure a secure digital environment, and empower youth and women in the development process. The vital role of think tanks in future foresight and policy formulation is also acknowledged.

Renewing their environmental commitment, the GCC leaders pledge to address climate change, cut carbon emissions, promote clean energy, and preserve natural resources, in harmony with Gulf and global net-zero and sustainable development goals.

The communiqué calls for stronger international collaboration to safeguard regional security, deepen partnerships with allies and international bodies, and combat extremism, terrorism, and transnational crime. Support is reaffirmed for the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain to protect energy security and maritime trade. The GCC leaders also advocate for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction and for curbing arms races to enhance regional stability.

The GCC leaders extend full support to the Kingdom of Bahrain in its upcoming role representing the Arab Group as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. They express confidence in its ability to advance Gulf and Arab interests and its role as a proactive partner for international peace and dialogue.

Appreciation is also extended to Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister of Italy, for her participation in summit discussions. Both Italy and the GCC agree to develop a joint action plan to elevate their historical friendship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, reflecting the GCC's openness to building substantive alliances.

In closing, Their Majesties and Highnesses, the GCC leaders, commit to developing institutional frameworks that broaden fraternal solidarity and strategic integration. This is to ensure the enduring security and prosperity of their nations and peoples within a stable region and to contribute to a more just and prosperous world, reaffirming their unwavering dedication to this shared future.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.