GCC Justice Ministers Discuss Activation of Extradition Pact for Suspects, Convicts

Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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GCC Justice Ministers Discuss Activation of Extradition Pact for Suspects, Convicts

Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Officials at the GCC justice ministers’ meeting in Doha, Qatar. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Gulf justice ministers met in Doha on Monday to approve an extradition treaty for suspects and convicts held by Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and to strengthen judicial cooperation, including enforcement of judgments and judicial requests across the states.

The 34th session of GCC justice ministers reviewed several agreements, including the extradition treaty, which is intended to strengthen the legal and judicial cooperation framework among Gulf states, according to GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi.

Al-Budaiwi said the 34th meeting of GCC justice ministers would also focus on civil and criminal cooperation agreements, advancing the enforcement of judicial rulings, and setting standards for juvenile trials under the “Doha Document for Juvenile Rules.”

These agreements are part of a broader effort to enhance legal collaboration among Gulf states.

Al-Budaiwi highlighted the meeting’s role in harmonizing laws across the GCC, including adopting the Judicial Enforcement Treaty and over 21 advisory regulations.

Qatar’s Justice Minister Ibrahim Al-Mohannadi, who chaired the meeting, praised Gulf countries’ progress in updating legal systems, especially in digital justice, and called for stronger coordination to address global security challenges.

He proposed a Gulf-wide strategy to support joint legal efforts and a specialized program to build capacity in human rights protection and law enforcement.

Al-Mohannadi noted that “serious security threats facing the world today call for deeper legal coordination and judicial cooperation among Gulf countries, with unified legislation necessary to create an integrated Gulf legal system that can address these challenges.”

He emphasized the need for a strategic Gulf approach to boost shared legal efforts.

Al-Mohannadi also urged the adoption of a specialized Gulf program to develop human and technical capacities within agencies focused on human rights protection, anti-terrorism, and organized crime.

Saudi Justice Minister Dr. Walid Al-Samaani also attended, with discussions covering legal agreements on civil, commercial, personal status, and criminal issues.

The ministers reviewed plans for unified rules against discrimination and hate speech and a proposal to align legislative principles across the GCC.



Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
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Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan Hold Third Round of Political Consultations

A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)
A night view of the Saudi capital, Riyadh. (Reuters file)

The ministries of foreign affairs of Saudi Arabia and Tajikistan held the third round of political consultations at the Saudi ministry headquarters in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Waleed bin Abdulkarim El-Khereiji and Tajik Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Farrukh Sharifzoda headed their respective sides during the meeting.

Discussions focused on boosting bilateral relations between the two countries across various sectors, as well as intensifying bilateral and multilateral coordination on issues of mutual interest.

The consultation round was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Tajikistan Waleed Abdulrahman Alreshaidan, Tajik Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Akram Karimi, and Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Asian Countries Director Nasser Al-Ghanoum.