Manama: Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that Gulf economic integration is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding developmental gains and addressing challenges amidst exceptional regional circumstances. This statement was made during the eighth extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Preparatory Committee at the ministerial level of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority of the GCC, held via video conference, with the participation of Ministers responsible for economic and developmental affairs.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Secretary General emphasized the meeting's significance due to the treacherous Iranian attacks targeting the GCC states. He noted that these attacks necessitate a shift from traditional coordination to a higher level of practical integration and effective response. The escalating challenges facing the region are no longer a passing circumstance but a true test of its ability to protect its achievements and ensure the stable operation of its vital sectors.
He stated that geopolitical developments have impacted the regional and international economic landscape, underlining the importance of strengthening economic coordination and integration among GCC countries. "This integration is the cornerstone for consolidating stability, preserving developmental gains, enhancing the adaptability of our economies, and mitigating crisis repercussions," Albudaiwi stressed.
He highlighted that the intensive coordination meetings, exceeding 50 since the crisis began, demonstrate an advanced level of institutional readiness and shared awareness of the current phase's needs. The Secretary General emphasized the increasing importance of the committee's role, alongside other ministerial committees, in ensuring policy coordination and integration of efforts among member states.
Albudaiwi reiterated the necessity to accelerate joint Gulf action and strengthen economic integration on more effective and flexible foundations to confront challenges with a unified vision and coordinated response. Concluding his speech, he expressed gratitude to the ministers for their continuous efforts and cooperation, and the constructive proposals presented during the meeting, which he affirmed will enhance economic integration among the GCC countries and help overcome the crisis repercussions.