The third file on the table is economic and logistical integration, regarded as central in a rapidly shifting international environment.
Italy’s Meloni attends in rare external invite
Adding a major diplomatic dimension, Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni arrived in Manama to attend the 46th GCC Summit — an exceptionally rare invitation extended by Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Eisa Al Khalifa.
External leaders are almost never present at GCC deliberations. In recent years, only Xi Jinping, Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Theresa May have been invited.
Italian officials called Meloni’s attendance “exceptional,” reflecting a significant upgrade in Italy’s standing across the Arabian Peninsula. The visit caps three years of intensive outreach to Gulf capitals, and comes ahead of a proposed Italy–GCC cooperation agreement to be signed in Rome.
Analysts say the GCC’s decision signals that Italy is being considered not just as a bilateral partner with individual Gulf states, but as a potential regional interlocutor — especially as security dynamics stretch from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
Palestine to remain a core message
Gulf leaders are expected to underline a united stance on the Palestinian cause and mobilise regional and international efforts to revive the peace process.
In parallel, observers anticipate language on maritime security, Red Sea stability and the need for a strategic Gulf position on post-war Gaza governance, as well as political transitions in Syria and Sudan.
A Senior Associate Editor with more than 30 years in the media, Stephen N.R. curates, edits and publishes impactful stories for Gulf News — both in print and online — focusing on Middle East politics, student issues and explainers on global topics.
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