At the Dubrovnik 2025 Forum in Croatia, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi emphasized the growing importance of enhancing strategic partnerships between GCC member states and the Mediterranean countries, calling it essential to strengthen regional security, advancing development goals, and fostering shared prosperity for the peoples on both sides.
Al-Budaiwi made his remarks during a high-level session titled ‘Reviewing prospects for cooperation between Mediterranean countries and various countries of the world and regional and international organizations. The forum, which opened yesterday in Dubrovnik, brought together leaders and policymakers to discuss international cooperation and strategic alignment.
In his address, Al-Budaiwi highlighted the strategic geographic position, economic strength, and global credibility of the GCC, as well as its critical role in maintaining global energy security. He stressed that these elements form the backbone of an effective and trusted partnership with the Mediterranean region.
He added that the GCC, with its established international standing, is a reliable partner in promoting sustainable development and regional stability, not only in the Mediterranean but across broader international landscapes. “We look forward to continuing fruitful dialogue and cooperation with regional and global partners,” he said, “to reinforce shared interests and contribute to global peace and security.”
On the sidelines of the forum, Al-Budaiwi held discussions with Nasser Kamel, the Secretary-General of the Union for the Mediterranean, where the two explored expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. They exchanged views on recent global and regional developments and discussed several matters of mutual concern.
Al-Budaiwi reiterated that the GCC’s foreign engagement is rooted in a strong belief in multilateralism, which supports peace, development, and international security. He underlined that the Mediterranean region remains a priority partner, given the historical and economic ties that the two regions share.
Looking ahead, he called for building a more stable and prosperous future for both GCC and Mediterranean countries through closer collaboration, innovation, and mutual respect. The session concluded with a renewed commitment from both parties to deepen ties and coordinate on strategic initiatives.
