46th GCC Summit Adopts Sakhir Declaration for Deeper Integration

The 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit concluded at Sakhir Palace in Manama (Bahrain), bringing together leaders of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE amid rising regional tensions.

• Adoption of the Sakhir Declaration:
  • Leaders reaffirmed commitment to stronger political, security and economic integration.
  • The declaration emphasised the GCC’s collective security doctrine, stating that the stability of each member is indivisible.
  • Any violation of a member state’s sovereignty was deemed a direct threat to the entire bloc.
• Security and Counterterrorism Measures:
  • The member states agreed to deepen cooperation against extremism, terrorism and organised crime.
  • Support was pledged for joint naval security efforts, headquartered in Bahrain.
• About the GCC:
  • Established on 25 May 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Founding members: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
  • Created due to shared geography, political systems rooted in Islamic principles, and common strategic interests.
  • Total area: 2,672,700 sq. km.
  • Official language: Arabic.