GCC marches towards prosperity, integration- The states and peoples of the six member countries of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) celebrate the 29th anniversary of the establishment of the Council, which is one of the major achievements made by the six countries in terms of co-operation and integration among them at all levels to turn the aims outlined by the GCC leaders towards achieving progress, stability, security and welfare for all countries and peoples, as well as the Arab region and the world.
The determination, well and farsightedness of the GCC leaders and their belief in the importance of joint work and integration among Gulf countries remain the driving forces for co-ordination, co-operation and integration among the six countries in all fields. The Supreme Council of the GCC meets at an annual gathering in December every year. It also meets at a consultative summit in May every year in a bid to push forward the integration march among the countries and open up new horizons to serve the interests of GCC citizens.
In the last 29 years GCC countries made a unique experience for integration. This has a positive impact not only on the Gulf region but also in the entire Arab region. The GCC also provided an opportunity to the sisterly Republic of Yemen to join increasing number of joint authorities and organisations within the framework of the GCC. This began at the 22nd Summit held in Muscat in 2001 and was enhanced at the 29th Summit in Muscat in 2008.
GCC countries are taking carefully studied and continuous steps to develop the economic integration among them. The Unified Economic Agreement was signed in 1981 and amended at the 22nd Summit in Muscat in 2001 to turn the economic integration among GCC countries into reality. The Supreme Council of the GCC approved the joint defence agreement at its 21st Summit in December 2001. It approved the agreement on combating terrorism in 2003. The GCC countries also approved the comprehensive security agreement in February 1987 and the security agreement for the GCC countries in December 1994.
The Supreme Council also approved the security strategy for combating extremism associated with terrorism at its 23rd Summit in December 2002. During the 27th Summit in December 2006, the GCC leaders approved making a joint study on nuclear technology use for peaceful purpose in GCC countries. The last 29 years proved that GCC countries have the ability to play a positive role in enhancing peace and stability not only in the region but also in the Arab world, thanks to the wise policies and stances of the GCC leaders.
While the GCC enters its 30th year, hopes of the GCC citizens are great on the integration that can be achieved not only at the economic level but also on political, social, cultural, environmental, security, defence and other levels. It is worth noting that the GCC was established on May 25, 1981 in Abu Dhabi preceded by a number of meetings held in Muscat and Kuwait. — ONA