IISS Manama Dialogue 2026 | The Foundations of Regional Security

Summary

The session examined the foundations of regional security through the perspectives of Syria, Yemen and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Across the presentations, speakers emphasized state sovereignty, capable national institutions, regional cooperation, and the links between security, development and maritime trade.

Syria

Foreign Minister Faisal Al-Shaban described efforts to rebuild state institutions and extend the government’s authority, including integrating armed groups and establishing a state monopoly on weapons. He said Syria had joined the international coalition against Daesh, was cooperating with the OPCW and IAEA, and had seen more than 3.7 million people return.

He also cited continuing obstacles, including damaged institutions, weak services and the need for economic recovery. Al-Shaban said Syria opposed attacks on Gulf states, wanted to restore the understandings governing its border with Israel, and considered the Golan Syrian territory. He called for Palestinian rights and an independent Palestinian state, and said regional economic links—including renewed oil transport through Baniyas—could support security.

Yemen

Foreign Minister Afra Al-Zuba argued that regional security depends on respect for sovereignty, strong national institutions, diplomacy and a broad approach that includes economic, food and energy security. She stressed the connection between stability in Yemen and security in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb and other shipping routes.

She accused the Houthis of obstructing peace, besieging Taiz and threatening maritime security. She called for international support for Yemen’s government, efforts to stop arms smuggling and financing, and the designation of the Houthis as a terrorist organization.

On the Red Sea, she said lasting security would require stronger coastal-state capacity as well as international cooperation. She described Yemen’s relations with China and Russia as positive, while urging all states to support Yemen’s sovereignty and stability.

GCC

Secretary-General Jassim Al-Budaiwi set out five foundations for regional security:

1. International law and state sovereignty
2. Collective defence and military integration
3. Diplomacy
4. Maritime and energy security
5. Stability through development and partnership

He said recent attacks on GCC states and disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz had shown the regional and global consequences of insecurity. He cited GCC plans to strengthen missile-warning arrangements and advance energy, water, electricity, logistics and railway links.

Al-Budaiwi also highlighted GCC support for political solutions and stability in Yemen, Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, and for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Discussion

Syria’s minister said his government was cooperating with Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon on border security and denied reports of clashes with Jordan. He said Syria’s participation in the Mecca Pact or other regional arrangements was under discussion, and described its security cooperation with Turkey alongside cooperation with Arab states. He denied that China was providing Syria with the military equipment raised in a question.

Yemen’s minister said the Stockholm Agreement had halted government forces near Hodeidah under international pressure, and argued that subsequent Houthi actions had weakened prospects for peace. She urged international partners to help prevent weapons and weapons-making materials from reaching the group. Asked about China and Russia, she said both countries affirmed support for Yemen’s government and territorial integrity.

Al-Budaiwi defended the GCC’s record, pointing to joint defence arrangements and decisions taken by Gulf security officials, while noting that some security cooperation was not public. He described coordination among GCC states as extensive. He said the GCC already had strategic partnerships with Jordan and Morocco and welcomed wider regional cooperation on logistics and ports. Asked about reported US–Iran talks and a possible Hormuz framework, he said he had not seen the reports and could not comment on them.

The chair concluded that the discussion had underscored three broad themes:

• The importance of sovereignty and state authority across a country’s territory
• The contribution of social and economic development to security
• The need for collective security, including to protect international maritime routes

Presenters and Contributors

Panel presenters: Dr Faisal Al-Shaban, Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates; Dr Afra Al-Zuba, Yemeni Foreign Minister; and Dr Jassim Al-Budaiwi, GCC Secretary-General.

Chair: A Lord addressed by the panel and audience; the subtitles do not clearly provide his full name.

Named audience contributors: Badr Al-Busaidi; Rakan Al-Rahan; Selina Belhouch; Shafi Al-Damer; Jonathan Bass; Jude Al-Harthi; Hala Al-Ansari; Akram Zaoui; Islam Al-Halawani; Atia Ali Kazmi; General Simon Mayall; and Hassan (surname unclear in the subtitles). The subtitles also include a questioner identified only as “Mark” and unnamed contributors from the UK and the United States.