Bahrain chaired the Gulf Cooperation Council’s delegation this week in talks with the European Union’s Political and Security Committee, as Gulf states and Brussels coordinate their response to recent Iranian strikes and mounting risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Dr. Mohammed Ali Bahzad, Ambassador of Bahrain to Belgium and head of its EU mission, chaired the GCC delegates in the meeting with ambassadors of all 27 EU member states.
The meeting is part of the preparations for the second GCC-EU Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Saudi Arabia this October, against the backdrop of heightened security concerns after Iranian attacks on the GCC states.
The delegates discussed at length the consequences of the attack and called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the states of the region, condemning attacks on their civilian infrastructure and other vital facilities. Both sides agreed to continue to pursue de-escalation and to support diplomatic channels in order to find a solution to the current crisis.
Maritime security drew particular attention, with delegates emphasising the strategic importance of keeping the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab strait open and safe for shipping.
Both waterways are critical arteries for global energy exports and trade; the meeting noted that any disruption to them carries direct consequences for energy markets, international supply chains and broader economic stability.
Participants called for closer coordination with international partners to safeguard free navigation through the two chokepoints, in line with international law.
Beyond security, the talks touched on deepening the wider GCC-EU strategic partnership, including cooperation on energy, economic ties, connectivity and mobility.
Officials said stronger collaboration in these areas would serve the interests of both blocs while reinforcing long-term regional and international stability.
The discussions are expected to feed directly into preparations for October’s summit, helping shape its agenda on security cooperation, connectivity and other shared priorities between the Gulf and Europe.
