Riyadh: The concluding meeting to launch the Radiological Data Exchange Platform Project (GCC-RDEP) was held under the patronage and in the presence of Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with the participation of Christophe Farnaud, Ambassador of the European Union to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the project is a significant modern initiative that contributes to advancing systems in the region. It enables them to keep pace with developments and understand and contain risks at their early stages. The Secretary-General noted the establishment of the Operations Room at the GCC Emergency Management Centre and the integration of various early warning systems across GCC countries. This is based on directives from the Ministers of Interior and Defence of the GCC states and underscores the Council's commitment to safeguarding the region's stability and security.
He emphasized that the Radiological Data Exchange Project (GCC-RDEP) aims to reduce the effects of radiological and nuclear incidents in the GCC region. The project facilitates the exchange of radiological data between monitoring systems in GCC countries and the European Union's Joint Research Centre. This collaboration allows for early detection and monitoring of incidents as they emerge, enabling the use of advanced simulation systems to assess potential consequences and support decision-makers with technical recommendations.
The Secretary-General commended the contributions of project partners, including representatives from the European Union, GCC countries, decision-makers, nuclear and radiological emergency specialists, the security sector, and the GCC Emergency Management Centre. Albudaiwi also noted the strong relations between the GCC and the European Union, highlighting the outcomes of the first European-Gulf Summit held in Brussels in October 2024, particularly in advancing cooperation and technical collaboration to reduce the impact of radiological and nuclear disasters.