Bahrain – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the United States of America held a Joint Ministerial Meeting on Thursday, June 25 in Manama, Bahrain. Chaired by Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Bahraini Foreign Minister, the session included the participation of United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, alongside the Foreign Ministers of GCC member states, including Oman.

GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi stated that discussions focused on regional developments, security enhancement, and ongoing mediation efforts. The meeting emphasised that any future regional arrangements must safeguard GCC interests, respect state sovereignty, and uphold principles of international law, including the security of maritime corridors such as the Strait of Hormuz. The parties further reviewed various regional portfolios and their implications for the collective security and prosperity of the region.

H E Sayyid Badr Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister emphasized the country’s responsibility in supporting international maritime navigation efforts in the Strait, in line with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He also stated that future agreements regarding the Strait will not include transit fees.