Foreign Minister chairs 166th preparatory meeting of GCC Ministerial Council
Manama, Nov. 30 (BNA): Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and current Chairman of the GCC ministerial session, chaired the 166th preparatory meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council ahead of the 46th Gulf Cooperation Council Summit. The meeting was attended by the foreign ministers of GCC states and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.
Dr. Al Zayani extended the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, expressing their hopes for a successful meeting.
The Foreign Minister thanked Abdullah Ali Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, for his leadership during the previous session, and Secretary General Albudaiwi and the GCC Secretariat staff for their efforts in organising the meeting.
He highlighted that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s hosting of the 46th GCC Summit reflects the GCC states’ commitment to enhancing cooperation and achieving regional integration. It also reflects their determination to maintain GCC solidarity and cohesion and to advance further cooperation and integration for the benefit of member states and their citizens.
Dr. Al Zayani noted that the GCC has demonstrated over the past years its ability to address regional and international challenges, consolidating its position as an active and influential regional entity in promoting security and stability. The minister added that Gulf developmental achievements have become an example of sound planning and wise vision, earning global recognition.
The Foreign Minister emphasised the importance of ongoing assessment of outcome of collective action, adopting decisions that enhance GCC performance, and continuing efforts that serve GCC citizens, supporting Arab causes, preserving Arab national security, and cooperating with the international community to maintain global peace and sustainable development.
On his part, Minister Al Yahya thanked Dr. Al Zayani and Bahrain for the excellent organisation of the meeting, which reflects the longstanding ties among GCC states and congratulated the Kingdom on assuming the chair of the Supreme Council for the 46th session. He wished Bahrain success on its leadership in furthering joint Gulf efforts and advancing the GCC’s regional and international standing.
The Kuwaiti Foreign Minister also expressed gratitude to the GCC leaders for the support and endorsement given to Kuwait during its chairmanship of the 45th Supreme Council session. He commended the work of the GCC Secretary General, and the Secretariat staff for their dedicated efforts, which contributed to the success of Kuwait’s leadership term.
Secretary General Albudaiwi expressed gratitude to His Majesty the King and the Bahraini government for hosting the ministerial meeting and looked forward to further progress under the Kingdom’s leadership. He also thanked GCC leaders for their continued support and confirmed the Secretariat’s commitment to implementing their directives and advancing GCC integration.
The meeting discussed topics on the Council’s agenda, including follow-up on decisions of the Supreme Council and the Ministerial Council, recommendations from specialised committees, and reports from the Secretariat on political, economic, security, defence, developmental, and social cooperation.
The ministers discussed updates on free trade agreements between the GCC and other countries and international blocs, outcomes of regional and international joint meetings, and preparations for upcoming summits, conferences, and strategic dialogues.
They also reviewed current regional and international developments, their impact on security and stability, ongoing efforts to reduce tensions, humanitarian support, and measures to combat terrorism, extremism, and protect maritime navigation.
The Council discussed the draft final statement and summit declaration and agreed to submit recommendations to the Supreme Council for approval at the 46th GCC Summit, starting December 3.
