Gulf Scientists to Study COVID-19 Genetic Sequence

GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Gulf Scientists to Study COVID-19 Genetic Sequence

GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)
GCC health ministers during their meeting on Thursday (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Gulf Cooperation Council formed a team of virologists to carry out a study on the genetic sequence of the coronavirus that is present in GCC countries, where the number of cases has reached nearly 1.3 million.

The GCC also agreed to ensure that citizens are treated for free and to emphasize the importance of exchange of information among member states regarding new strains and the effectiveness of PCR tests to diagnose COVID-19 mutations.

The GCC health ministers convened in a video conference on Thursday in their fourth extraordinary meeting chaired by Faeqa Al-Saleh, Bahrain’s Minister of Health and President of the current session, with the participation of GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf, to discuss the latest developments regarding the pandemic.

The ministers underlined the importance to maintain internal strategies to provide vaccines to citizens and residents in order to curb the spread of the virus.

The ministers also praised the efforts of the General Secretariat and the GCC Health Council, which are aimed at promoting joint action to immunize society and ensure that citizens and residents are vaccinated.

During the summit held in Saudi Arabia’s AlUla in January, GCC leaders adopted an emergency preparedness and response plan, a guide for early detection and the establishment of the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control.



Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf Security Integration

Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)
Gulf interior ministers discussed strengthening joint security cooperation at their meeting in Qatar (SPA)

Saudi Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening security coordination and cooperation among Gulf nations.
Speaking at the 41st GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of protecting the region’s prosperity and ensuring a brighter future.
The meeting, chaired by Qatar’s Interior Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad, focused on enhancing joint security efforts and addressing key issues on the agenda.
Prince Abdulaziz warned of rising security challenges, including cybercrime, drug trafficking, and cross-border organized crime, during the GCC interior ministers’ meeting in Qatar.
He noted that advanced technologies are making it easier for criminal networks to smuggle weapons and fuel terrorism and extremism, especially in unstable regions.
The minister called for stronger collaboration, better strategies, and capacity-building to tackle these threats.
He also said that the GCC interior ministers’ meeting strengthens joint security efforts to tackle new challenges, supporting regional stability and development.
In a post on X, Prince Abdulaziz affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to boosting communication, coordination, and integration among Gulf nations, particularly in security, to protect progress and ensure a brighter future.