The Gulf leaders, in the final communique of the 46th GCC Summit, held in Bahrain on Wednesday called for enhancing cooperation amongst member states on all avenues as well as addressing the various challenges facing the region.

The final communique, issued by the Supreme council of the GCC, examined report on vision of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud on boosting joint Gulf work regarding economic unity and security and defense systems, as well as coordinating positions on regional and international fronts.

The council directed with multiplying efforts to continue implementing the vision according to a certain timetable and meticulous supervision, and tasked the GCC general secretariat with submitting a detailed report on this to the next session.

As for joint Gulf work, the supreme council looked into negotiations on late King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud suggestion of taking the cooperation to a federation.

The council affirmed its keenness on the strength and cohesion of the Cooperation Council, unity, achieving greater coordination, integration and cohesion in all fields, in order to achieve the aspirations of the citizens of the Council countries.

The Supreme Council reviewed the developments of the economic unit of the Gulf Cooperation Council and approved the gradual operation of the customs data exchange platform during the second half of the year 2026.

The Council assigned the relevant ministerial committees to finish addressing the remaining requirements of the Customs Union and submit an executive action plan and timetable as soon as possible.

Within the framework of the Gulf Common Market, the Supreme Council stressed following up with the implementation of regulating the supply of cross-border trade in services between the GCC countries, measure its economic and social impact on a periodic basis, and determine mechanisms for recognition of qualifications and service licenses between member states.

The Supreme Council welcomed the proposal to hold a "Made in the Gulf" forum and exhibition, with the aim of highlighting the distinguished industrial capabilities in the Council countries and promoting industrial integration.

The Council approved the establishment of the GCC Civil Aviation Authority, headquartered in the United Arab Emirates, and the general agreement to connect the GCC countries with the railway project.

It also approved the unified rules for joint property owners in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

Furthermore, it praised the recommendations of the first Gulf Conference for the future of judicial, and legislative cooperation, which was held in Kuwait, as well as the findings of the nineteenth regular meeting, of the heads of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Nation Councils in the GCC countries, and appreciated the achievements and efforts made by member states in the field of Islamic affairs and endowments.

The Supreme Council praised the efforts and achievements made by member states in strengthening governance, transparency, accountability, integrity and anti-corruption tools through joint Gulf action, and the practical steps towards building an integrated monitoring and accounting system.

The Supreme Council also approved the Gulf security strategy to combat money-laundering crimes and praised the gains and achievements of the Council countries in regards to human rights, including their achievements in the field of combating human trafficking.

The Council reviewed the views of the advisory body on the topics that it had previously been assigned to study, including confronting natural disasters, developing unified policies and legislation for the use of artificial intelligence, and obstacles to the integration of services between member states, as well as environmental protection, climate change, and renewable energies.

The Supreme Council emphasized the strengthening of joint action to enhance work related to energy transformations and climate change, and to activate cooperation, exchange of experiences, within the framework of Green Middle East Initiative.

It stressed the importance of supporting the stability of global energy markets, adopting a balanced approach without excluding energy sources, and working to innovate technologies that enable managing emissions and making use of all energy sources with high efficiency, to enable sustainable economic growth for all.

It appreciated the achievements and efforts made by member states in the circular carbon economy approach.

The Supreme Council congratulated UAE's Sheikha Nasser Al-Nowais on winning the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization for the period 2029-2026.

The Council expressed its support for the United Arab Emirates to host, in partnership with the Republic of Senegal, the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.

It also congratulated the United Arab Emirates on the success of the activities of the 12th session of the World Government Summit.

The Supreme Council congratulated the inauguration of the Bahrain International Commercial Court, in an important step that embodies the Kingdom of Bahrain's keenness to develop the justice system.

It also congratulated Bahrain for its distinguished success in hosting the 2025 Asian Youth Games under the patronage of King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifah.

The Supreme Council congratulated Saudi Arabia for the success of the Hajj season, and expressed its appreciation for the efforts and facilities provided by the government of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

It also congratulated Saudi Arabia on the occasion of its victory in hosting the World Cup, 2034.

The Council congratulated Kuwait on the success of hosting the 26th Gulf Cup Football Championship, extending its congratulations to Bahrain for winning the tournament.

The Supreme Council praised the success of Oman in hosting the Indian Ocean Conference eighth session in Muscat.

It appreciated the efforts of Qatari diplomacy in reaching the Doha Framework Agreement for peace between the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Congo River Alliance.

The council also congratulated Qatar on the success of the U-17 World Cup, and expressed its wishes for success for the State of Qatar in the eleventh edition of the Arab Cup Championship.

It praised the success of the State Qatar in hosting the Second World Summit for Social Development, and welcomed the Doha Political Declaration.

The Supreme Council expressed its support for the State of Qatar's bid to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, wishing it success in hosting this global sporting event.

The Council congratulated Kuwait on the occasion of its selection as the Capital of Arab Culture and Media for the year 2025, which reflects the cultural and media heritage of the State of Kuwait and its role as a beacon of culture and a platform for creativity in the Arab world.

The Supreme Council welcomed the State of Kuwait's hosting of the third Arab-Chinese summit, scheduled to be held in 2030, hoping that the summit will contribute to strengthening cooperation relations and achieving common interests.

Moreover, it congratulated Kuwait on its victory to host the 2026 Asian Handball World Cup, wishing it success in hosting this important sporting event.

On Regional and international issues, the Supreme Council renewed keenness of to maintain stability and security in the region and support the prosperity of its people.

The Council affirmed respect for the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs, based on international charters, customs and laws, and its rejection of any threat to any of the member states, stressing that the security of the Council states is essential to Arab national security, and rejected foreign interventions in the Arab states from any party.

As for the situation in Gaza, the Supreme Council affirmed that it stands by the Palestinian people, relieving the suffering of the Palestinian people, ending the siege imposed on the Strip, opening all crossings for the entry of humanitarian aid, providing international protection for the Palestinian people, refraining from targeting them, and abiding by international laws.

It praised the efforts of US President Donald Trump and the outcomes of the "Sharm El-Sheikh Peace" summit, and the agreement reached regarding Gaza, which was signed by Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye, and the US.

The Supreme Council praised the pivotal role played by the State of Qatar with regional and international parties and guarantor states and its efforts to bring about a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages and detainees.

It welcomed Security Council Resolution 2803 on November 17, 2025, which adopted the United States peace plan for Gaza, and confirmed the consolidation of the ceasefire, the establishment of the Peace Council that will establish the framework of action and coordinate financing for the redevelopment of Gaza.

The Supreme Council affirmed its support for the plan of Arab Council regarding early recovery and reconstruction of Gaza, approved by the extraordinary Arab Summit "Palestine Summit" held in Cairo, stressing that the future of the Gaza Strip must be in the context of a unified Palestinian state, and the implementation of the two-state solution.

The Council welcomed the summit's decision to hold an international conference for recovery and reconstruction in the Gaza Strip, and urged the international community to participate actively and generously in the donors' conference for reconstruction, and to mobilize the necessary resources.

The Supreme Council affirmed Security Council Resolutions 2735, 2712, and 2720 regarding the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of hostages and detainees, the return of civilians to their homes, the safe and effective distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale, and the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Strip.

It held the occupation fully responsible for its ongoing violations and attacks on the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the killing of tens of thousands of civilians, most of them children, and rejected any justifications and excuses for describing the aggression on Gaza Strip as self-defense.

The Supreme Council renewed its support for the efforts of the ministerial committee headed by Saudi Arabia, which was formed by the extraordinary joint Arab and Islamic summit to work to stop the aggression against the Palestinian people.

The GCC leaders noted the efforts made by member states and Arab countries at the political level to stop the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, and the humanitarian and relief aid provided by the GCC countries to the Gaza Strip.

The Council affirmed the United Nations General Assembly resolution on an immediate, permanent and unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, enabling the civilian population in the Gaza Strip to obtain basic services and humanitarian assistance without hindrance.

The Supreme Council condemned the crime of genocide committed by the Israeli occupation forces against the residents of the Gaza Strip, the deliberate blockade policy that led to famine in the Gaza Strip, the policy of ethnic cleansing and collective punishment.

It condemned the continued violations committed by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people, their destruction of residential neighborhoods, and infrastructure, stressing the responsibility of the Israeli occupation forces to not obstruct the work of international organizations.

Regarding the Palestinian issue, the Supreme Council affirmed the centrality of the Palestinian issue, ending the Israeli occupation, and establishing an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The leaders stressed the importance of national reconciliation to restore Palestinian national unity and reunification to achieve the interests of the Palestinian people, appreciating the efforts made by Arab countries in this regard.

The Supreme Council called on the international community to intervene to stop targeting the Palestinian presence in the city of Jerusalem, the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes, attempts to change its legal and historical character, its demographic composition, and the arrangements for Islamic holy places, and attempts to impose occupation sovereignty over it.

It stressed the importance of the initiatives announced by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of of Bahrain, at the Arab Summit in its thirty-third session held in the Kingdom of Bahrain, by calling for an international peace conference in the Middle East to establish a national, independent, secure, and sovereign Palestinian state, and to support efforts to recognize the Palestinian state at the international level, and to accept its full membership in the United Nations.

The Council affirmed the summit's call for the deployment of international UN protection and peacekeeping forces in the occupied Palestinian territory until the two-state solution is implemented.

The Supreme Council welcomed the results of the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Issue and Implementation of the Two-State Solution, praising the role of Saudi Arabia in leading international efforts aimed at implementing the two-state solution.

The Council affirmed its support for diplomatic efforts within the framework of the Cooperation Council's partnerships with countries and groups to activate the outcomes of the New York Declaration, to achieve recognition of the Palestinian state and implement the two-state solution.

The Council praised the countries that announced their recognition of the Palestinian state and urged other countries to announce their recognition.

The Supreme Council welcomed the announcement by Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, to launch the Emergency Alliance for the Financial Sustainability of the Palestinian Authority, which comes in response to the unprecedented financial crisis.

It condemned the Israeli occupation's plan to transfer the authority to manage and supervise the Ibrahimi Mosque from the Palestinian Ministry of Endowments and Religious Affairs in a move that represents a serious infringement on the existing historical and legal status in the Ibrahimi Mosque, and the occupation's plans to settle in the "E1" area, in a dangerous escalation aimed at dividing the West Bank and thwarting the two-state solution.

The Council also condemned the occupation's Knesset's call to impose Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, and the statements of Israeli occupation officials in this regard.

The Supreme Council affirmed the joint statement issued on by fifteen Arab and Islamic countries, condemning the Knesset's approval of two draft laws to impose occupation sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and illegal settlements.

It also welcomed the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice regarding the occupation's obligations in the occupied Palestinian territories to ensure that the residents of the occupied Palestinian territories, including th

The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council reaffirmed its long-standing position, condemning Iran's continued occupation of the three UAE islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, which the Council considers an integral part of the United Arab Emirates.

The Council reiterated its full support for the UAE's sovereignty over the three islands, including their territorial waters, airspace, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone. It emphasized that these islands are an integral part of the UAE's territory.

The statement also rejected all Iranian measures and activities on the occupied islands, declaring them invalid, null, and without legal effect, stressing that such actions do not alter the historical or legal status of the islands, nor affect the UAE's rightful claim.

The GCC urged Iran to respond positively to the UAE's repeated calls for resolving the dispute through direct negotiations or by referring the case to the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the principles of international law.

Further, it strongly condemned the Iranian government's continued construction of residential facilities aimed at settling Iranian citizens on the occupied islands, criticizing Iran's positions and provocative statements, including official remarks from October 31, 2025, which accompanied the introduction of a new Iranian calendar coin at a ceremony attended by senior Iranian officials.

The statement also cited the recent joint declaration by the GCC and the European Union, as well as statements from the Islamic Consultative Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee, such as MP Abbas Moqtadaei's comments on October 19, 2025, as examples of Iran's ongoing attempts to reinforce baseless claims over the islands.

The Council stressed that Iran must respect the sovereignty of all Gulf states and warned that Tehran's actions constitute a red line, urging Iran to stop interfering in the internal affairs of neighboring countries and stating that continued interference threatens regional security and stability.

Regarding Al-Durra Field, the Supreme Council reiterated its firm position that the entire Al-Durra offshore gas field lies within Kuwait's territorial waters, and that all its natural resources fall solely within the Kuwaiti-Saudi Divided Submerged Zone.

The GCC summit emphasized that Kuwait and Saudi Arabia exclusively possess full rights to exploit the field's resources, in line with international law and binding bilateral agreements.

It rejected any foreign claims disputing Kuwait or Saudi Arabia's rights to the field, stressing that no party aside from the two countries has any legitimate basis concerning Al-Durra or the Divided Zone.

On Counterterrorism and Combating Extremism, the GCC Supreme Council also reviewed its decisions and renewed its commitment to intensifying joint cooperation against terrorism and extremism in all their forms.

It affirmed that the Gulf states will continue implementing comprehensive measures to dismantle terrorist networks, prevent financing activities, and counter extremist ideology, while strengthening legal and security frameworks across the region.

The Council condemned terrorism regardless of its motivations or sources, highlighting the need for international cooperation to address extremism, noting that global instability has fueled the spread of radicalization.

The member states stressed the importance of addressing social, political, and economic conditions that enable extremism, alongside promoting moderation and balanced discourse.

Meanwhile, the Council welcomed the unanimous adoption of the UN Human Rights Council's resolution of 7 October 2025, proposed by Qatar, titled "Enhancing the Protection of Women and Children in Armed Conflict".

It also welcomed the UN General Assembly's adoption of Bahrain's annual resolution on fostering a culture of peace, passed on 28 January 2025, which aims to reinforce peaceful coexistence worldwide.

The GCC strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Islamabad, Pakistan, which targeted a police convoy in the Banu district on 11 November 2025, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. The Council expressed full solidarity with Pakistan and support for its efforts to combat terrorism.

The Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council extended its condolences to the governments and peoples of Pakistan and India following several recent terrorist attacks, expressing wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Council condemned ongoing foreign support to sectarian and terrorist militias, which destabilize the region and threaten regional and international security. The GCC stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent financing, arming, or harboring extremist groups.

On Iraq, the GCC reaffirmed its established positions and previous resolutions concerning the Republic of Iraq, emphasizing the importance of Iraq's security and stability as a cornerstone of regional safety.

It reiterated its earlier positions on the Khor Abdullah maritime border demarcation, emphasizing full respect for Kuwait's sovereignty and the unity of its territory, including islands and maritime zones and the necessity of Iraq's adherence to all bilateral and international agreements, especially UN Security Council Resolution 833 (1993).

The council also urged Iraq to complete procedures related to the joint maritime boundary based on the technical markers set after the signing of the 2013 Kuwait-Iraq border agreement, in alignment with international law and UN conventions on maritime boundaries.

The council also called on Iraq to fully comply with the 2012 Kuwait-Iraq Maritime Navigation Agreement in Khor Abdullah, respect the 2008 Maritime Security Protocol and the 2014 Joint Cooperation Committee Minutes, and implement all provisions of UN Security Council Resolution 2107 (2013) concerning border demarcation, registration, and mutual obligations.

The GCC welcomed the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2729 (2024), which reinforces the mandates of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), enabling greater support for political stability, reconciliation, and reconstruction.

On Yemen, the council reaffirmed its full support for the Presidential Leadership Council of Yemen, chaired by Dr. Rashad Mohammed Al-Alimi, and praised the constitutional institutions and supporting entities working to restore security and stability in the country.

It also reiterated the GCC's commitment to a political solution based on the Gulf Initiative, the National Dialogue Conference outcomes, the UN Security Council Resolution 2216, and all other relevant international references that preserve Yemen's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. On Syria, the Gulf leaders reiterated respect of Syria's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, refusing foreign interference, asserting that security and stability of Syria was important for the region.

They underlined importance of peaceful resolution of conflicts, fighting terrorism and chaos, and welcomed the Syrian government's roadmap for Suwaida and appreciated all efforts to boost security and stability of Syria.

The Gulf leaders condemned the Israeli occupation's repeated attacks on Syria which undermined unity, security and territorial safety of the Arab country.

They welcomed UN Security Council's resolution 2782 (2025) regarding importance that all parties abide by the 1974 disengagement agreement, condemned the Israeli occupation's expansion of settlements in the occupied Golan Heights as well as setting up a buffer zone on the Syrian borders in a grave violation of the international law and relevant UNSC resolutions.

They commended Saudi Arabia's efforts to lifting the sanctions on Syria in a move that would boost confidence of the Syrian people in their future, support economic and preserve social fabric.

On Syria, the council commended UAE investments in the Port of Tartus, Saudi Arabia's 1.65 million-barrel crude oil grant, and Qatar's role in opening the Turkiye-Syria gas pipeline.

It praised the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, affirmed support for UN efforts to aid Syrian refugees, and rejected demographic changes in Syria.

The GCC leaders also reaffirmed their strong support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, backing President Joseph Aoun and the government.

They stressed the need for political and economic reforms and adherence to the November 2024 US-mediated ceasefire.

The leaders condemned Israeli occupation attacks, targeting of UNIFIL, and foreign interference, urging implementation of UN resolution 1701 and the Taif Agreement.

The GCC leaders affirmed their support for peace in Sudan, emphasizing the country's security, stability, and sovereignty.

The council stressed protecting civilians, ensuring unhindered humanitarian aid per international law and the Jeddah Declaration, and preventing famine.

GCC leaders also expressed their support for a ceasefire and transition to an independent civilian government in Sudan, emphasizing a Sudanese-led political process excluding extremists and perpetrators of crimes.

They reaffirmed the Moroccan identity of the Sahara and supported the autonomy initiative to resolve the issue.

The GCC leaders reaffirmed their support for a Libyan-led political solution, emphasizing Libya's security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, calling for the withdrawal of foreign forces.

They urged dialogue, UN-backed political solutions, elections, and unified state institutions, and welcomed UN Security Council Resolution 2769 allowing Libya to invest frozen foreign currency reserves internationally.

The council reaffirmed GCC support for Somalia's security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

It welcomed Somalia-Ethiopia agreement restoring diplomatic ties, condemned Mogadishu's prison attack, and called for regional and international support to address Somalia's political, security, economic, and humanitarian challenges.

Supreme Council stressed the need for Iran to adhere to the fundamental principles and foundations of international law and to reject terrorism, while highlighting the importance of cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and condemned the Israeli occupation for attacking Iranian nuclear facilities.

Oman was commended for facilitating dialogue between Iran and the US, regarding the nuclear issue, and the GCC countries' participation in all regional and international discussions to achieve common goals was emphasized, as well as maritime security and safeguarding waterways in the region, maintaining stability and adopting diplomacy.

Additionally, the council welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan, and commended Qatar and Turkiye's diplomatic efforts in this regard.

The Council expressed satisfaction over India and Pakistan's ceasefire agreement, hoping it will lead to peace in the region, emphasizing resolving disputes through diplomatic means, and commended Saudi Arabia for de-escalating the situation.

They also welcomed the historic peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia which embodies a victory for diplomacy and commended the UAE for its tireless efforts which contributed to this achievement.

The Council affirmed that its stance on Russia's military operation in Ukraine is based on the principles of international law and preserving territorial integrity, and applauded the humanitarian assistance provided by the GCC countries to Ukraine and the mediation efforts and initiatives undertaken by the GCC countries to reach a political solution to resolves the crisis.

Additionally, they praised Saudi Arabia for hosting the talks between Russia and the US regarding Ukraine and for their efforts in securing the release of detainees, the UAE for its mediation efforts between Russia and Ukraine which resulted in the completion of a prisoner exchange from both sides and Qatar for its mediation efforts in reuniting Ukrainian and Russian children with their families.

The Council welcomed the participation of Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni as a guest at the 46th session.

Issues of common interest were discussed, foremost among them the Palestinian cause, and the Israeli Occupation's aggression against Gaza, and ways to strengthen cooperation within the framework of implementing the 2026-2030 joint action plan.

The Council commended Saudi Arabia for hosting the joint summit between GCC leaders and the US, and welcomed the outcomes of the Saudi-US summit which strengthened the partnership between the GCC and the US.

They commended the outcomes of the second GCC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, and the trilateral summit between the GCC, ASEAN and China.

The Council took note of the outcomes of strategic dialogue meetings between the GCC and several countries and international bodies, such as the UK, Russia, Franc, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Japan, the EU, Central Asian countries, and the Benelux countries, as it implemented the agreed upon decisions and joint action plans.

The Council welcomed Saudi Arabia's invitation to host the upcoming summit, and expressed its anticipation of Saudi Arabia's presidency of the 47th session.