The strategic partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and the United States is grounded in strong, long-standing relations and shared interests. This alliance has led to deeper cooperation across political, economic, trade, investment, defense, cultural, and educational spheres. A structured framework of joint working groups continues to guide implementation across these areas.
GCC-USA Summits
Joint summits have marked significant milestones in this evolving partnership. The inaugural GCC-US summit was held at the White House on May 13, 2015, addressing regional political and security developments, including the Iranian nuclear issue, and charting a path for strengthened cooperation.
Camp David, Riyadh: Reinforcing Security Ties
A follow-up summit took place at Camp David on May 14, 2015, where GCC leaders and President Barack Obama reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing defense and security ties and jointly addressing regional challenges. This was reinforced at the Riyadh summit on April 21, 2016, hosted by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, which reviewed progress and reaffirmed the strategic focus on regional stability and prosperity.
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
The summits also underscored the importance of a comprehensive solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Leaders endorsed the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative and called for tangible steps toward a two-state solution. They committed to regular coordination through meetings of foreign and defense ministers and directed joint working groups to meet at least twice a year to advance key initiatives, including counterterrorism, missile defense, and cybersecurity.
On May 21, 2017, another summit in Riyadh brought together President Donald J. Trump and GCC leaders, reaffirming their joint commitment to regional security. In July 2022, the Jeddah Security and Development Summit, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expanded regional dialogue by including leaders from Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.
Ongoing Coordination
In line with summit outcomes, multiple ministerial meetings have since been held, supporting the strategic partnership through 10 specialized working groups. Additionally, these focus on areas such as defense, trade, and emerging technologies.
New York 2024
The most recent high-level engagement was the joint ministerial meeting in New York in September 2024, where GCC foreign ministers and the US Secretary of State reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and cooperation. They reiterated support for a viable, independent Palestinian state based on 1967 borders with agreed land swaps and endorsed efforts for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, aligned with President Biden’s plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2735. Moreover, the ministers praised the mediation roles of Qatar, Egypt, and the US, and emphasized the urgency of humanitarian access and aid delivery, recognizing the pivotal role of UNRWA.
Economic, Defense Cooperation
Trade and investment remain key pillars of the partnership, with bilateral trade surpassing $180 billion in 2024. Defense cooperation also continues to deepen through initiatives like the Working Groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defense and Maritime Security.
Riyadh 2025, Renewed Vision
Building on this strong legacy, the upcoming GCC-USA Summit in Riyadh signals a renewed commitment to a stable and prosperous future. Convened under the vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the summit aims to address urgent political and security challenges and enhance coordination on shared goals.
In a complex and shifting global landscape, these summits serve as a vital platform for collaboration, reinforcing the alignment of interests and unified vision of partners dedicated to regional and international stability.
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