Thursday: H.E. Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau during his official visit to Washington today. The two officials discussed enhancing the strategic GCC-U.S. partnership.

In an official press statement, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce stated:
"Both sides reaffirmed the strength of the U.S.-GCC partnership and emphasized the importance of coordinating on regional priorities."

Bruce added that Deputy Secretary Landau expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between the United States and the GCC and its member states. The discussions focused on joint efforts to enhance regional security, including the critical need to restore freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

She further noted that both sides "emphasized the necessity of collective action to deter threats, promote de-escalation, and advance peace and stability in the region."