Kuwait, Oct. 23 (BNA): Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), participated in the 27th meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee of Transport and Communications held in Kuwait.

The Secretary General emphasised that the Gulf’s achievements in transportation and communications show the strong integration among GCC states and the success of policies adopted since the Council’s founding.

He noted that Article 23 of the Economic Agreement requires member states to integrate aviation and air transport policies, as well as develop and coordinate land and sea transport to facilitate the movement of people and goods and achieve economies of scale.

The Secretary General thanked His Highness Sheikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait, for hosting the meeting and supporting GCC efforts, as well as the ongoing support from the GCC leaders across all fields.

Albudaiwi emphasised that the GCC has made significant achievements and that its leaders continue to prioritise deeper integration to meet the growing aspirations of GCC citizens, which drives further progress. He referred to the Supreme Council’s 45th session in December 2024, which stressed the need for member states to complete regulatory procedures for the GCC railway project agreement.

He highlighted key accomplishments, including the GCC surpassing the global average in logistics performance competitiveness in 2023, according to the World Bank. By 2024, the GCC issued over 5,700 Gulf standard specifications and technical regulations for connecting roads, ranking among the top 21 emerging and leading global markets in logistics, business environment, and digital readiness.

The GCC now has more than 25 main seaports and over 23 international airports. The Unified Maritime Operations Centre was established to protect regional waters, ensure safe maritime navigation, and maintain security and stability in the region. These achievements strengthen the GCC’s regional and international standing and its role in the global economy.

H.K, S.E