Gulf summit opens in Bahraini capital

ISTANBUL

The 46th summit of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) opened Wednesday in Manama, with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa chairing the session.

Addressing the opening session, King Hamad called for completing the implementation of President Donald Trump’s plan to end the Gaza war, describing it as “a positive step toward reducing escalation,” the Bahraini state television reported.

The summit marks Sultan Haitham bin Tariq’s first appearance at a GCC summit since 2020, representing Oman’s highest-level participation in 14 years. Muscat has typically sent ministers to previous summits.

Kuwait’s Emir Mishal al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani also joined the gathering.

The agenda includes defense and political coordination, developing economic and development policies and aligning Gulf positions on regional and international issues.

The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman. It was founded on May 25, 1981, and is headquartered in Saudi Arabia.