In Coordination with the GCC General Secretariat, Derasat and the American Foreign Policy Council Officially Launch the GCC–U.S. Think Tank Strategic Dialogue
In the presence and participation of H.E. Mr. Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the GCC–U.S. Think Tank Strategic Dialogue was officially launched today. The initiative is jointly organized by the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat) and the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC), in coordination with the GCC General Secretariat.
The launch brought together senior leaders and representatives of leading think tanks from the GCC member states and the United States. Marking the inauguration of the Dialogue, participants convened in a closed webinar to examine the future of the GCC–U.S. partnership amid the region’s rapidly evolving security and economic landscape, and to assess the implications for regional security, energy security, and economic integration.
In his opening remarks, H.E. the GCC Secretary General emphasized that the GCC–U.S. partnership remains one of the fundamental pillars of regional stability. He underscored the need to move beyond crisis management toward the development of an integrated regional security architecture capable of responding effectively to emerging challenges.
His Excellency emphasized that the Gulf–U.S. partnership extends beyond security, serving as a growing economic hub that is reshaping global investment, energy, and technology. He added that the region’s security challenges require a shared strategic commitment to define the post-war era and address its complex, interconnected challenges.
During his intervention, Mr. Abdulla Mohamed Alahmed, CEO of the Bahrain Center for Strategic, International and Energy Studies (Derasat), emphasized that the Dialogue is intended not only to assess recent developments, but also to anticipate future trends, draw strategic lessons, and formulate practical policy recommendations that will strengthen GCC–U.S. cooperation and contribute to advancing regional stability.
He also expressed his aspiration to broaden the scope of the Dialogue in the future to encompass other topics of mutual interest. He noted that this inaugural Dialogue marks the first in a series of in-person engagements that will bring together GCC and U.S. think tanks alongside the GCC General Secretariat in Washington D.C. and Manama later this year, coinciding with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s presidency of the 46th Session of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
Discussions throughout the Dialogue affirmed that security, energy, and economic issues can no longer be viewed as separate policy domains, but rather as interconnected pillars underpinning the stability of the Arabian Gulf region and the sustainability of the GCC–U.S. partnership. Participants further stressed that recent developments—including Iran’s unprovoked attacks targeting the security of GCC member states, critical infrastructure, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation—underscore the importance of upholding national sovereignty and respect for international law, while highlighting the need for enhanced strategic consultation among regional and international partners.
The Dialogue addressed several key themes, including the future of GCC-US security partnership, energy security, and economic integration. Participants also explored the importance of strengthening collective capabilities, safeguarding maritime security, protecting critical infrastructure, enhancing logistics networks, and supporting ongoing economic diversification efforts.
