Munich: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi underscored that the existing partnership between the GCC and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) represents an advanced practical model for bolstering regional and international security. He described it as a true reflection of a shared will rooted in cooperation, mutual interests, and a collective responsibility toward global and regional stability.
According to Saudi Press Agency, these remarks were delivered during his speech at the side event titled "NATO-GCC Relations," held on Saturday on the sidelines of the 62nd Munich Security Conference.
Albudaiwi reviewed the partnership's trajectory and tangible achievements in maritime security, cybersecurity, counterterrorism, and defense capacity building. He noted that 2025 marked a pivotal milestone in cooperation with NATO, as the NATO-Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) Regional Centre in Kuwait recorded its highest level of activity.
"The center implemented 25 qualitative activities, including training courses and specialized events involving hundreds of leaders and experts from GCC and initiative member states," he stated. This, he noted, reflects the effective engagement of council members in building a modern regional security system grounded in knowledge and institutional action.
He added that the center's programs covered precise strategic fields, including maritime security, cybersecurity, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) security, emergency planning, military medical services, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
"This reflects the evolution of the concept of security from its traditional dimensions into a comprehensive and integrated system," he explained.
He also touched upon the center's 2026 action plan, which includes 31 diverse activities ranging from political dialogue and practical cooperation to capacity building, confirming that these plans demonstrate the maturity of the partnership and its transition to more advanced and impactful stages.
Concluding his speech, Albudaiwi emphasized that the GCC views this partnership within a long-term strategic vision, considering regional security an integral part of international security. He asserted that regional stability is built upon partnerships, institutional integration, and multilateral action.