GCC Sec-Gen Underscores Importance of Boosting GCC-European Security Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
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GCC Sec-Gen Underscores Importance of Boosting GCC-European Security Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo
Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi pointed out that the high-level participation from both the GCC and European representatives at the first meeting of the Gulf-European criminal investigations general directors underscores the importance both sides place on strengthening security cooperation and their commitment to enhancing their security systems and exchanging expertise.
Speaking at the meeting, Albudaiwi said that this meeting implements the decisions of the GCC ministers of interior, which call for intensifying the GCC's collaboration with regional and international groups and organizations to enhance the GCC security ecosystem. He also expressed hope that the meeting would lead to the development of joint initiatives and projects aimed at combating crime and reducing its impact in both the Gulf region and Europe, SPA reported.
He emphasized the key points outlined in the joint closing statement of the first GCC-European summit, held in Brussels on October 16, 2024, under the theme "Strategic partnership for peace and prosperity." The summit highlighted the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and the GCC, reinforcing their growing political ties, and collaborating to tackle challenges that threaten regional and global peace, security, and stability.
Albudaiwi also highlighted several joint achievements between the GCC and European sides, including the launch of the regional security dialogue, the establishment of the high-level ministerial forum, and the signing of a letter of intent. He emphasized the focus on developing joint action plans for 2025-2027. Key areas of cooperation include enhancing information exchange mechanisms, designing strategies to combat transnational organized crime, and building capacities through joint training programs.



Saudi Govt Discusses Efforts to Bolster Global Economic Growth

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
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Saudi Govt Discusses Efforts to Bolster Global Economic Growth

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chairs the cabinet meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday. (SPA)

The Saudi government reviewed on Tuesday the Kingdom's ongoing efforts and contributions at the international level to support multilateral action and bolster global economic growth. This includes continued cooperation and coordination with producers within the OPEC+ group to maintain stability in oil markets.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in Jeddah on Tuesday.

He briefed the cabinet on the discussions he held with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and the telephone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

The cabinet praised the outcomes of the first meeting of the Saudi-Indonesian Supreme Coordination Council, which reflected the strength of bilateral relations and the mutual keenness to elevate them to broader horizons.

It welcomed the signing of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) between private-sector entities in both countries, covering clean energy, petrochemical industries, and aviation fuel services, contributing to the shared ambition of establishing an advanced economic partnership.

The cabinet welcomed the Kingdom's hosting of the 21st general conference of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), scheduled to be held in Riyadh in November. The conference aims to develop joint solutions to challenges related to sustainable industrialization, innovation, and technological transformation.

Moreover, the cabinet praised the unanimous adoption by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) of a resolution submitted by Saudi Arabia to protect children in the digital space, stemming from the “Child Protection in Cyberspace” global initiative launched by the Crown Prince.

The move reinforces the initiative's international goals and reflects the Kingdom’s vision through practical steps toward a safe and inclusive digital environment for this age group.

The cabinet highlighted Saudi Arabia's continued ranking in the top position in the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook’s cybersecurity indicator for 2025, noting that the achievement adds to the series of successes the sector has accomplished in record time across various international levels. It noted the sector’s successes in supporting technological prosperity, localization of priority technologies, and enhancement of international cooperation.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the ICT Development Index 2025 issued by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The achievement confirms the robustness of the Kingdom’s smart digital infrastructure, its attractive investment environment, and the growth of its local digital economy, which has reached SAR495 billion.

The cabinet hailed ongoing successes in combating drug trafficking, including the arrest of criminal networks involved in the trafficking of narcotics and psychotropic substances in Saudi Arabia. It underscored the continuous security and preventive efforts aimed at protecting the community from this serious issue.