Fifth Decade of GCC to Focus on Economy, Says Hajraf

Archive photo of the founding meeting of the GCC. (SPA)
Archive photo of the founding meeting of the GCC. (SPA)
TT

Fifth Decade of GCC to Focus on Economy, Says Hajraf

Archive photo of the founding meeting of the GCC. (SPA)
Archive photo of the founding meeting of the GCC. (SPA)

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is moving forward steadily and will focus in its fifth decade on economic matters, said GCC Secretary-General Nayef al-Hajraf on Sunday.

The GCC will work on bolstering and supporting joint action to help restore economic growth, return life to normal after the pandemic and achieve sustainable development goals, he explained in a press statement before the council summit scheduled for Saudi Arabia’s AlUla on Tuesday.

He said that the fact that the summit was being held despite the extraordinary conditions imposed by the coronavirus pandemic underscores the role its leaders play in preserving it as a cohesive system that can overcome challenges and bolster its integration efforts in all fields.

Hajraf noted Saudi Arabia’s chairing of the G20 presidency for 2020 and its ability to lead the global group to boost international cooperation.

Today the Kingdom is preparing to host the 41st GCC summit, which will stress the importance of bolstering Gulf cooperation and integration in all fields, he continued.

He hoped the summit would help push joint Gulf action forward, enhance the security and stability of GCC countries and realize their people’s aspirations for greater cooperation and integration.

The council has implemented several integrative projects over the past four decades, Hajraf noted. They include the establishment of the GCC common market, customs union, the interconnection grid and free capital movement that are the foundation for the “next stage of the bloc’s march to build a bright future.”



Arab, Islamic, African Mechanism Established to Support Palestinian Cause

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)
TT

Arab, Islamic, African Mechanism Established to Support Palestinian Cause

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan (Reuters)

The Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union (AU) signed a tripartite agreement on Monday to support the Palestinian cause, during the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh.

The move was praised by the summit, especially for the African Union’s strong position on the issue.

According to information obtained by Asharq Al-Awsat, the mechanism will be coordinated through the organizations’ secretariats. Representatives will meet regularly to align their positions and strengthen their influence in international forums.

Joint coordination meetings will be held soon to finalize the details of the agreement.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan welcomed the cooperation, noting that the three organizations will now speak with one voice internationally, instead of through individual bilateral talks.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit added that while Arab-African and Arab-Islamic cooperation already exists, this is the first time an agreement has united the three organizations on this issue.

He said the agreement will expand cooperation and set a clear strategy moving forward.