|  | | 12/13/2024 3:11 PM |  علي محمد المطاوعه | 12/13/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Mr Rachid Talbi El Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Mr Abdelkader Salama, Vice-Speaker of the House of Councillors on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Rabat.
The meetings took place during His Excellency's visit to the headquarters of the Moroccan House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. During the meetings, the parties' discussions focused on several topics of mutual interest, primarily the strategic partnership between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco, and ways to strengthen it to meet the aspirations of both sides.
His Excellency the GCC Secretary General emphasised the deep-rooted GCC-Moroccan relations and the mutual desire to further enhance these ties for the benefit of their peoples and the achievement of common interests. The discussions also covered avenues for joint cooperation, exchange of expertise, and exploration of opportunities to strengthen this collaboration.
| | | HE the GCCSG Visits the Headquarters of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors in the Kingdom of Morocco | 2024 | | | | 12/12/2024 5:07 PM | علي محمد المطاوعه | 12/12/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the GCC Supreme Council, in its concluding statement of the 45th session, emphasised the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the GCC and the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco.
This statement was made during a meeting today, Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Rabat, Morocco, between His Excellency the Secretary General and His Excellency Mr Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.
At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency expressed his thanks and appreciation to Mr Nasser Bourita for the kind invitation to visit the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco, which comes within the framework of strengthening the GCC-Moroccan relations.
His Excellency the Secretary General, based on the directives of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the GCC countries, also extended a formal invitation to His Excellency Mr Nasser Bourita to attend the GCC-Moroccan ministerial meeting scheduled for March 6, 2025, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The meeting discussed several topics of mutual interest, most notably the fruitful cooperation between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco in various political and economic fields within the framework of the joint action plan, and ways to develop and elevate it to the desired level. The meeting also reviewed the latest regional and international developments.
| | | HE the GCCSG: The 45th GCC Supreme Council Session Emphasised the Importance of Strengthening the Strategic Partnership Between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco | 2024 | | | | 12/12/2024 8:59 PM | علي محمد المطاوعه | 12/12/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | Mr Aziz Akhannouch, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, received His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Prime Minister's office in Rabat.
The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco, aiming for a more advanced approach that reflects the depth and strength of the relations and fraternal ties between the two sides. The meeting also included an exchange of views on the latest regional and international developments.
 | | | Moroccan Prime Minister Receives HE the GCC Secretary General | 2024 | | | | 12/11/2024 6:11 PM | علي محمد المطاوعه | 12/11/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), conveyed his highest congratulations and best wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and to the Saudi people on the occasion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia winning the bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034.
His Excellency stressed that the selection of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 reflects its prestigious international standing and demonstrates its exceptional capabilities in organising major sporting events. "It showcases its strategic planning excellence and ambitious future vision for hosting key global events, relying on the capabilities of Saudi personnel across various sectors, as well as its developed infrastructure," His Excellency stated.
Moreover, His Excellency expressed his sincere wishes for success and achievement for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, both leadership and people, in hosting the FIFA World Cup 2034. He reaffirmed his firm belief in the Kingdom's ability to deliver an exceptional edition of the tournament that reflects its aspirations and highlights its rich culture and heritage.
Furthermore, he noted that this event will serve as a golden opportunity to showcase authentic Arab values and strengthen the bonds between the peoples of the world. "It also represents a source of pride and honour for the citizens of the GCC states and enhances the region's status on both the regional and international stages," he concluded.
| | | HE the GCCSG: I Extend my Warmest Congratulations to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince & to the Saudi People on the Occasion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Winning the Bid to Host the FIFA World Cup 2034 | 2024 | | | | 12/10/2024 10:24 AM | وليد الدغباسي | 12/10/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the achievements made by the GCC countries over four decades in the field of human rights at national, regional, and international levels are due to the grace of Allah, followed by the wise vision and unlimited support from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Council.
This comes on the occasion of the Council's celebration of the tenth anniversary of the adoption of the Human Rights Declaration of the GCC on December 9, 2014, coinciding with the global celebration of International Human Rights Day, which is observed on December 10 each year.
He also pointed out that the formulation of the Human Rights Declaration of the GCC was based on the principles of Islamic Sharia, the founding charter of the GCC, the United Nations Charter, the Arab Charter on Human Rights, and the Cairo Declaration on Human Rights in Islam, in addition to relevant international and regional treaties and agreements.
"This represents a significant qualitative step in the field of respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights and crowns the Council's journey in this area, stemming from its deep belief in human dignity and its commitment to respecting and protecting the rights guaranteed by Islamic Sharia, which embodies the noble values and principles deeply rooted in the conscience of its societies and are fundamental to its policies at all levels," His Excellency said.
His Excellency mentioned that the texts of the declaration are merely a confirmation of the legislative, procedural, and institutional developments in the field of human rights, preserving the achievements made in all fundamental rights and freedoms, civil, political, economic, social, and cultural, and meeting the aspirations and desires of the peoples of the Council for a bright and sustainable future.
On this occasion, His Excellency reiterated the commitment of the GCC states to their active role in protecting and promoting human rights at both regional and international levels. He explained that the GCC seeks to contribute to building a global system where human rights serve as a compass for achieving stability and prosperity, and building bridges of dialogue and cooperation that form an essential part of the Council's message and are among its most important tools for achieving its goals and plans.
He also addressed the current challenges facing human rights in the world, including conflicts, violent extremism, and the phenomena of hatred and Islamophobia, while emphasising the respect for the rule of law and shared global values, promoting tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for differences and religions to ensure a bright future filled with justice and prosperity for generations to come.
| | | Statement by HE the GCCSG on the Occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Human Rights Declaration of the Gulf Cooperation Council | 2024 | | | | 12/10/2024 1:38 PM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 12/10/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), condemned the continuous attacks by the Israeli occupation on the sisterly Arab Republic of Syria and the occupation of the Syrian Golan Heights.
His Excellency affirmed that these violations and attacks demonstrate the Israeli occupying forces' lack of respect for international laws and treaties, and their ongoing efforts to undermine opportunities for peace and stability in the region.
He emphasised the GCC's rejection of the Israeli occupying forces' attempts to violate Syria's sovereignty and unity, reiterating that the Golan Heights is occupied Arab Syrian land.
He also reaffirmed the positions expressed in the statement issued by the Supreme Council of the GCC during its 45th session regarding the commitment to maintaining the territorial integrity of the Arab Republic of Syria and respecting its independence and sovereignty over its territory.
| | | HE the GCCSG Condemns the Ongoing Attacks by Israeli Occupying Forces on Syrian Territory | 2024 | | | | 12/10/2024 2:16 PM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 12/10/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), confirmed that the GCC Human Rights Declaration reflects the interest and commitment of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC states, to human rights and ensuring the provision of all the elements necessary for a dignified life for their peoples.
This was stated during the celebration marking 10 years of the GCC Human Rights Declaration, held on Tuesday (December 10, 2024), in the Qatari capital, Doha, under the patronage of HE the Secretary General of the GCC and Her Excellency Ms Mariam Ali Al Misnad, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the presence of Their Excellencies the heads of GCC governmental bodies concerned with human rights, ambassadors of the GCC to the State of Qatar, and several prominent and human rights figures interested in human rights issues.
At the outset of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended his highest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, for hosting this celebration in the State of Qatar, coinciding with the International Human Rights Day, which is marked annually on December 10, reflecting His Highness' concern and commitment, as well as that of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Council member states, towards human rights and ensuring the provision of all the elements necessary for a dignified life for their peoples. His Excellency also praised their continuous support and tireless efforts to promote this blessed journey of the GCC and achieve its noble goals, striving for greater security and prosperity for their peoples.
During his speech, HE the Secretary General stated that the GCC member states are committed to the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and working towards a future characterised by justice, dignity and peace. He affirmed that the Council will continue its steadfast commitment to building a more humane world, inspired by the noble values established by the Islamic Sharia and the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
He further mentioned that the GCC member states occupy a high position in enhancing human rights, grounded in the core values of their societies.
Explaining further, he said: “A testament to their commitment to these values is the serious pledges contained in the Kuwait Declaration from the 45th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, summarised as follows: first, the empowerment of women, where the declaration confirmed the states' commitment to continue empowering Gulf women in all fields. Second, the enhancement of the role of youth, as the declaration emphasised the importance of promoting the fundamental role of youth in the GCC member states.”
“Third, human rights and the protection of civilians, where the declaration recalled the suffering and pain of the Palestinian people enduring Israeli occupation for 75 years, while reiterating the call to halt the crimes of killing, collective punishment and the displacement of populations in Gaza, in addition to protecting civilians, stopping the war and supporting serious negotiations to reach sustainable solutions and guarantee the rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensuring the rights of refugees. And fourth, preserving cultural identity and humanitarian values, where the Kuwait Declaration underscored the importance of promoting a Gulf identity, authentic Arab culture and a system of noble Islamic values, encouraging universities, research centres and thinkers to support the values of good governance and cultural identity,” he mentioned.
HE the Secretary General added that the commitments and clear efforts made by the GCC member states in the field of human rights also reflect their dedication to promoting the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was evident in the GCC Human Rights Declaration, approved in 2014 in the State of Qatar, serving as a document that reflects the GCC states’ commitment to enhancing fundamental rights and freedoms.
Additionally, His Excellency expressed that the enhancement of human rights faces numerous challenges and dual standards in our world today, underlining that the grave violations by Israeli occupation forces against the Palestinian people constitute a glaring example, representing a clear breach of all basic human rights principles.
Meanwhile, HE the Secretary General referred to the rise of regional and international conflicts, along with the spread of hatred and Islamophobia, pose further challenges.
“The GCC member states remain committed to supporting values of tolerance, coexistence and respect for cultural and religious diversity, while working to balance the global nature of human rights with the cultural and social values of each community. The Council has consistently affirmed its commitment to operate within the framework of a multilateral international system and to enhance international cooperation to address shared challenges while upholding human rights, believing that this is essential for paving the way towards a more just, secure, and sustainable future,” he added.
The ceremony also witnessed the launch of a report on families issued by the General Secretariat of the GCC, titled “Report on the Efforts of the GCC Member States in Supporting and Protecting Families from a Human Rights Perspective”.
| | | HE GCCSG: The GCC Human Rights Declaration Reflects Their Majesties and Highnesses the GCC Leaders' Interest in & Commitment to Human Rights & Ensures Provision of All Elements Necessary for a Dignified Life for Their Peoples | 2024 | | | | 12/9/2024 7:29 AM | علي محمد المطاوعه | 12/9/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 |
His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), asserted that the GCC countries, based on their principles emphasising respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and in a bid to achieve security and stability in the region, reaffirm their steadfast positions regarding the crisis in Syria, the preservation of its territorial integrity, and respect for its independence and sovereignty. He expressed the GCC's support for the aspirations of the Syrian people for stability and development.
Moreover, His Excellency noted that the GCC countries renew their rejection of regional interventions in Syrian affairs and any actions that threaten Arab national security and jeopardise international peace and security.
Additionally, he stated that the GCC emphasises the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and the necessity of maintaining the functioning of state institutions. He called on all parties to ensure the protection of civilians and stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law and providing humanitarian assistance.
| | | HE the GCCSG: GCC Countries Reaffirm Their Firm Stance on the Crisis in Syria, Upholding Its Territorial Integrity, Independence, and Sovereignty | 2024 | | | | 12/9/2024 11:08 AM | نوره فريد السويدان | 12/9/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | | | | news2024-12-8-33 | 2024 | | | | 12/9/2024 1:04 PM | شوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي | 12/9/2024 | Secretary General | | 12 | His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasised the importance of the prominent role played by the national statistical agencies in the member states in contributing to the success of the GCC Statistical Center’s programmes, stressing that this is achieved through the coordination and implementation of joint Gulf statistical projects and programmes.
This was stated during HE the Secretary General’s patronage of the celebration of the GCC Statistics Day, which is annually observed on December 24, in the presence of His Excellency Mr Badr bin Hamad bin Hamoud Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, at the GCC Statistical Centre on Monday (December 9, 2024) in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of the heads of statistical agencies from the member states and a number of officials in the field of statistics and joint Gulf cooperation.
At the beginning of his speech, HE the Secretary General extended, to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of the Sultunate of Oman, and to his wise government, the highest expressions of thanks and appreciation for their generous and continuous support of the joint Gulf cooperation endeavour, and for their hospitality in hosting the GCC Statistical Centre in Muscat, along with providing the necessary facilities and means of support required for the centre to fulfil its objectives.
In his speech, His Excellency praised the efforts of the member states and their commitment to enhancing and developing the Gulf statistical work system, noting the advanced levels achieved reflected in the establishment of comprehensive, quality, and transparent databases and information across various economic and social fields, which facilitated monitoring and measuring the development of Gulf development programmes.
Moreover, HE the Secretary General also mentioned that providing national databases and standardising the statistical criteria and methodologies used has enabled the GCC Statistical Centre to become a pioneering Gulf institution, representing one of the fruits of the joint Gulf action and a successful model of collaboration among the member states. He underlined that the Centre contributes significantly to the Gulf community with high-quality statistical publications and advanced information platforms that serve the course of joint Gulf action in various fields, with a total of approximately 152 statistical products prepared this year.
Commenting further, His Excellency stated: “Dedicating a day for GCC statistics stems from a belief in the role of statistics in our lives and as a recognition of the efforts of those working in this vital field, which is a fundamental pillar towards achieving national visions aimed at the welfare of individuals and society. This day also reaffirms the sound approach taken by the member states in collecting and disseminating official statistics that accurately reflect realities and utilise them for sustainable development.”
“Joint Gulf action is based on a wide range of economic, developmental, social, environmental fields, and more. The member states are working to complete the components of economic unity within the framework of the Cooperation Council, focusing on strategically integrated projects in both economic and developmental domains, finalising requirements for the GCC Customs Union, and achieving a common Gulf market. Furthermore, efforts are underway to cooperate in establishing an integrated system for food, water and energy security, to enhance joint action towards digital transformation, modern technologies and to adopt objectives and mechanisms for the fourth industrial revolution in Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) and Artificial Intelligence (AI),” HE the Secretary General explained.
He also stressed that the GCC states aim to achieve economic diversification and maximise the benefits of economic potentials and unique opportunities to multiply the joint investments among the member states, develop the integration of road, railway and communication networks among them, support and enhance national industries, accelerate their growth, raise their competitiveness, and position them to compete globally, while overcoming all obstacles and difficulties facing the implementation of joint economic cooperation decisions among the member states.
Additionally, His Excellency praised the important and growing role of statistics in supporting evidence-based decision-making and in monitoring and keeping up with events, emphasising that it has become indispensable as a vital tool for achieving the aspirations of the GCC countries. He reiterated that this empowers joint Gulf committees at various levels to study the plans and policies presented to them by utilising accurate and comprehensive data to help monitor and enhance progress and provide insights that contribute to achieving desired goals.
His Excellency also highlighted this year's celebration theme focused on the future of statistics towards sustainable Gulf development, affirming the sound approach adopted by the GCC countries in utilising and enhancing statistical work for planning processes and decision support.
“This aligns with the significant efforts made by the GCC countries in implementing their long-term national economic visions, monitoring their achievements, and fostering greater coordination, integration, and connectivity in all fields, contributing to building a better tomorrow that meets the aspirations of the GCC countries. The future of statistics towards sustainable Gulf development is bolstered by a range of means, including strengthening joint Gulf statistical work, expanding the scope of joint Gulf statistical programmes and projects, as well as intensifying the exchange of unique and successful statistical experiences and practices that each GCC country possesses. This also requires a strong partnership with GCC universities, scientific research centres, and innovation hubs, as well as leveraging Artificial Intelligence in producing statistics,” he added.
HE the Secretary General concluded his remarks by expressing gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the GCC Statistical Centre for their professional and distinguished work, and their evident efforts in building databases that provide the community with Gulf figures reflecting the real and sustainable development they are witnessing. He reiterated that these statistics showcase the progress and advancement of the GCC countries among nations worldwide across various fields, and contribute to promoting joint action programmes, which have become a source of pride for every Gulf citizen belonging to this blessed land.
 
| | | HE GCCSG: The Prominent Role of the National Statistical Agencies in the Member States Contributes to the Success of the GCC Statistical Centre’s Programmes by Coordinating and Implementing Joint Statistical Projects and Programmes | 2024 |
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