Lebanon Attends Gulf–US Manama Meeting, Calls for Disarmament Raised
A joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States was held in Manama, Bahrain, attended by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, foreign ministers from GCC member states, and GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting reviewed the strategic relations between the GCC countries and the United States and explored ways to further develop and strengthen them in a manner that serves mutual interests and enhances cooperation across various fields.
The discussions also addressed recent regional developments and ongoing challenges, as well as ways to intensify joint coordination to promote peace and stability in the Arabian Gulf and the broader Middle East.
The meeting further examined the ongoing talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, stressing that any resulting arrangements must take into account the security and interests of GCC states, while contributing to a stable regional order based on respect for sovereignty, good neighbourly relations, and non-interference in internal affairs.
Participants also discussed the importance of ensuring the security of maritime navigation and the free flow of trade through regional waterways, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, described as a vital artery for both regional and global economies.
They reaffirmed the GCC and U.S. commitment to continued consultation and coordination on issues of mutual concern, and support for political solutions that lead to sustainable security and shared prosperity for all peoples of the region.
The statement also underscored the importance of maintaining the ongoing negotiation process in Lebanon, and emphasized the need for the complete disarmament of non-state armed groups in the country.
