46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit: Meloni proposes a joint summit with Mediterranean countries
In a move aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni presented a strategic proposal during her participation in the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit held in Manama, Bahrain. Meloni called for a joint summit bringing together the GCC states and Mediterranean countries, expressing her country's readiness to host this important event, which aims to achieve comprehensive economic and security integration.
Italy, the Gulf's gateway to Europe
In her address to the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Meloni affirmed that Italy possesses the necessary elements to serve as a bridge and a primary gateway for Gulf investments and products to access the vast European market. She noted that Rome seeks to deepen its partnership in the energy sector, a vital area linking Gulf interests to European energy security, particularly in light of current global transformations. She emphasized that her country can effectively contribute, alongside the Gulf states, to overcoming geopolitical divisions and working together to establish the foundations of global security and stability.
The 46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit: A crucial time and major challenges
The 46th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) convened in Manama amidst highly complex and sensitive regional and international circumstances. Leaders and heads of state from the Gulf countries gathered in Bahrain to discuss pressing issues, foremost among them the ongoing aggression against the Gaza Strip and its repercussions on regional security. This summit is of exceptional importance given the unprecedented challenges facing the region, necessitating a high level of coordination in positions and visions.
Strategic dimensions: Joint defense and economic integration
The participation of international figures like Meloni reflects the growing importance of the Gulf states as influential players in global politics and economics. Alongside international proposals, the issue of “joint Gulf defense” is receiving significant attention during the summit deliberations, as it is seen as a cornerstone for forging a new phase of intra-Gulf cooperation. Leaders seek to unify efforts to confront security threats, as well as enhance economic integration, which supports the stability of Gulf banks and facilitates the movement of citizens and investments among them, thus solidifying the GCC’s position as a cohesive and powerful regional bloc.
The Italian call for a Mediterranean-Gulf summit is not just a diplomatic event, but reflects a shift in the European vision towards the Gulf, where the region is now seen as an indispensable partner in the equations of energy, security, and global supply chains, which is in line with the Gulf states’ ambitious visions to diversify their international partnerships.
