GCC boosts defence integration, unveils joint shield progress, plans major UAE exercise for 2027 and issues Sakhir Declaration pledging unity, stability, economic integration and regional peace efforts….reports Asian Lite News
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) placed defence and regional security at the centre of its agenda as leaders concluded the 46th GCC Summit in Bahrain, underlining a renewed commitment to collective protection, military readiness and deeper strategic coordination amid escalating geopolitical pressures in the Middle East.
Bahrain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, speaking alongside GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, said Gulf citizens could take pride in a system that had grown stronger, more cohesive and more responsive to the security and economic priorities of its people. He stressed that the GCC remains firmly committed to building “a safe, stable and prosperous environment,” one that protects its states from external threats while bolstering political, economic and social integration.
The defence dimension of this year’s summit was particularly prominent. Secretary-General Al-Budaiwi confirmed “notable progress” in the development of a long-planned joint defensive shield system, established in close coordination with strategic international allies. While details remain undisclosed for operational reasons, he said the system’s readiness would be announced “at the appropriate time,” signalling extensive behind-the-scenes work to strengthen early-warning, air-defence and joint-force capabilities.
He also revealed that GCC armed forces will embark on a major cycle of military exercises, including a joint naval drill and a large-scale combined forces exercise scheduled for early 2027 in the United Arab Emirates. These drills are expected to expand interoperability, sharpen operational preparedness and reinforce the GCC’s deterrence posture across critical maritime and land corridors.
Alongside defence cooperation, Al-Zayani stressed that Gulf calls for peace were gaining traction internationally, highlighting the response of the US President to the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support peace efforts in Gaza and Sudan. This, he said, reflected a growing recognition of the GCC’s diplomatic weight and its humanitarian and stabilisation initiatives across the region.
Al-Zayani further emphasised Bahrain’s intention to strengthen GCC–EU relations, noting the participation of Italy’s Prime Minister in the summit. He said Bahrain aims to elevate these ties into a comprehensive strategic partnership spanning defence, security, economic, technological, cultural and educational cooperation. Trade with Italy, he added, continues to grow steadily.
He outlined the priorities endorsed by the Supreme Council for Bahrain’s presidency term, including mechanisms to streamline each rotating presidency’s goals and enhance coordination across all GCC fields. These goals are designed to serve citizens directly by accelerating integration, reducing duplication and sharpening collective action.
On regional issues, Al-Zayani reaffirmed the GCC’s support for diplomatic efforts led by Saudi Arabia and Oman to stabilise Yemen, preserve its sovereignty and maintain its territorial integrity. On relations with Iran, he reiterated that Bahrain does not oppose restoring normal ties, provided they serve regional peace and stability. Communication with Tehran is ongoing, he said, and Bahrain hopes Iran and its people will “enjoy stability and peace.”
Sakhir Declaration
The summit concluded with the issuance of the ‘Sakhir Declaration,’ a sweeping reaffirmation of GCC unity and a blueprint for deeper cooperation across defence, economy, technology and diplomacy. Leaders stressed the indivisibility of Gulf security, declaring that any threat to one member state constitutes a direct threat to all—and that the use of force or interference in internal affairs is categorically rejected.
The declaration underscored satisfaction with the achievements of the GCC’s integrated defence and security systems, calling for continued acceleration to achieve further gains. Leaders also reiterated their commitment to peace in the Middle East, welcoming international efforts toward enforcing the Gaza ceasefire provisions and renewing support for a sovereign Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In the economic sphere, leaders highlighted the importance of completing the GCC Common Market and Customs Union, boosting investment in strategic sectors such as energy, transport, water, food security and digital infrastructure. They placed special emphasis on digital integration, including developing common systems for AI, cybersecurity, cloud services and digital payments.
The declaration also reinforced environmental priorities, calling for deeper engagement on climate change, clean energy and carbon-reduction commitments. Leaders pledged to promote innovation-driven, diversified economies capable of supporting youth and women’s participation and shaping sustainable growth.
International cooperation remains central to GCC strategy, including stronger partnerships to combat extremism, terrorism and cybercrime, as well as support for joint naval forces to secure maritime routes, protect energy shipments and safeguard global trade.
Leaders also voiced strong support for Bahrain as it begins its two-year term representing the Arab Group on the UN Security Council, expressing confidence in its ability to advance Arab and Gulf priorities on the global stage.
