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 Hopes Two-State Solution Alliance Meeting Would Reach Practical Steps in Backing Peace

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Hopes Two-State Solution Alliance Meeting Would Reach Practical Steps in Backing Peace

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the Cabinet meeting in Riyadh. (SPA)

The Saudi government hoped on Tuesday that the first meeting of the first high-level meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution would reach practical steps supporting UN efforts and peace initiatives and establish a timeline for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state and end the Israeli occupation.

The meeting will be held in Riyadh on Wednesday.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the Cabinet meeting that was held in Riyadh.

At the beginning of the session, Crown Prince Mohammed briefed the Cabinet on the details of the telephone call he received from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and on his meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The Cabinet reviewed the outcomes of Saudi Arabia's recent participation in international meetings. This is a testimony to Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening partnerships and expanding cooperation in all fields to support multilateral efforts for development, prosperity, and addressing global challenges.

It reiterated the Kingdom's stance at the BRICS Plus 2024 Summit, emphasizing its rejection of the escalation in the region. It highlighted the severe threat posed by the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip to both regional and international security and underscored the urgency of an immediate ceasefire, the need of unhindered humanitarian aid, and a firm commitment to achieving lasting peace.

The Cabinet reiterated the Kingdom's emphasis at the International Conference in Support of Lebanon's People and Sovereignty on the need for collective assistance for Lebanon in facing its current crisis, mitigating its humanitarian consequences, and aiding the Lebanese state institutions in fulfilling their constitutional duties to establish sovereignty over all of Lebanon's territories.

Furthermore, during a conference hosted by the Kingdom, the Cabinet expressed its appreciation for the pledges of countries and donor entities to provide financial and in-kind contributions to support displaced people and refugees in the Sahel and Lake Chad region. The conference hosting is part of Saudi Arabia's keenness to respond to all efforts serving humanitarian causes and assisting affected and devastated communities worldwide.

The Cabinet welcomed the participants in the 8th edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII8) conference, which kicked off in Riyadh on Tuesday under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

The Cabinet looks forward to the conference contributing to boosting efforts to achieve economic stability and just development, combat climate change globally, and address issues related to artificial intelligence, innovation, and health.

The Cabinet highlighted the agreements and memoranda of understanding signed during the Energy Localization Forum involving 117 entities from the public and private sectors. The deals, worth around SAR104 billion, aim to bolster localization efforts in the energy sector and develop human capital.

Additionally, the Cabinet commended the outcomes of the Multilateral Industrial Policy Forum (MIPF) organized by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The Cabinet underlined discussions during the forum on the role of industrial policies in boosting industrial integration between countries, empowering global supply chains, encouraging entrepreneurship, and leveraging modern and emerging technologies.

The Cabinet lauded the recent launches and agreements worth more than SAR55 billion announced at the Global Health Exhibition held in Riyadh, which aim to invest in the latest global technologies, strengthen international partnerships, localize pharmaceutical industries, and support research and development, showcasing the Kingdom's leadership in the health sector.

Additionally, the Cabinet highlighted the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques of the inaugural Global Corporate Social Responsibility Forum. It commended the forum for facilitating the signing of memoranda of understanding and discussions expected to open new horizons for sustainable social development, further boosting the Kingdom's achievements in this area.