Brussels, April 15 (QNA) - Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the European Union's supportive stance toward GCC states regarding Iranian attacks, describing them as a direct threat to regional and international security.

During a briefing to members of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs at its headquarters in Brussels, Albudaiwi stated that Gulf security is a fundamental pillar of global economic stability and that GCC–EU partnership is a strategic necessity.

He stressed that the meeting comes at a highly sensitive regional and international moment and reflects the importance of parliamentary dialogue as a key foundation of GCC–EU relations.

He noted that the Gulf region is going through a critical phase, with ongoing Iranian escalation posing a direct threat to regional and international stability and a serious challenge to international law and UN Security Council resolutions.

Albudaiwi explained that this was evident in Iranian attacks targeting GCC countries, despite clear assurances from GCC states that their territories would not be used for any military operations against Iran.

He added that the attacks targeted civilian and economic facilities, resulting in casualties and injuries and causing significant damage to the foundations of regional and global stability.

He emphasized that stability in the Gulf extends beyond regional security to global stability, including the world economy, supply chains, and energy security.

He noted that GCC countries have demonstrated their ability to maintain internal stability and continue their role as an economic and development hub despite current challenges, reflecting the strength and sustainability of their institutions and the effectiveness of their policies.

Albudaiwi commended the EU's condemnation of the attacks and its swift response through holding several GCC–EU meetings to exchange views on the escalation, as well as providing necessary technical defensive support.

He stressed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz an open and secure international waterway, free from threats or restrictions, adding that any attempt to impose a new reality by force or use it as a tool of political or economic pressure was widely condemned regionally and internationally.

He also expressed the GCC's aspiration to enhance parliamentary cooperation with the EU, noting that a proposal had been shared with the European Parliament to establish a mechanism for cooperation between Gulf legislative councils and the European Parliament.

He said this would pave the way for signing it at the earliest opportunity, aiming to strengthen consultation and coordination on issues of mutual interest, develop legislative cooperation, build sustainable institutional capacities, and reinforce the role of parliaments in supporting peace and sustainable development.

For his part, Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister welcomed the Secretary-General and highlighted the importance of the meeting in briefing committee members on the latest developments in the region and GCC–EU relations.

McAllister affirmed the European Parliament's commitment to advancing its relations with GCC countries. (QNA)