December 8, 2006

SAUDI ARABIA HOSTS THE 27TH SESSION OF THE GCC SUMMIT. THE CUSTODIAN OF THE TWO HOLY MOSQUES ISSUES HIS DIRECTIVES TO NAME THE 27TH SESSION OF THE GCC SUPREME COUNCIL IN RIYADH AS THE SUMMIT OF SHEIKH JABER AL-AHMAD AL-SABAH. The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, has directed to name the 27th session of the GCC Supreme Council in Riyadh as the summit of Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The summit of the leaders of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) will begin its works on Saturday in the Saudi capital city. In a statement, GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah expressed his pride over the directive of King Abdullah, which he said is the outcome of appreciation and gratitude for the significant role played by the late Sheikh Jaber in the establishment of GCC entity and strengthening it with cooperative efforts from Their Majesties and Their Highnesses -- the leaders of the Council. The Secretary General assured the determination of the GCC leaders to advance the march of joint cooperation in all fields to wider horizons within the framework of modern optimistic aspirations of the citizens of the GCC countries and up to their desired integration goal. The Foreign Ministers of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) commenced their 101st preparatory session of the Ministerial council for the 27th session of the Supreme Council of the GCC countries, starting its two-day works on Saturday. The Ministerial Council had started its current session on November 21, 2006 and discussed several important issues concerning the future of the Council, enhancing coordination, cooperation and integration between the Member States in the political, economic, cultural, security and military fields in order to achieve the desired Gulf citizenship. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Minister of Foreign Affairs is heading the Saudi delegation at the meeting. Earlier in the day, Omani Minister of States for foreign affairs Yourself Bin Alawi Bin Abdullah; Kuwaiti foreign minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Sabah Al-Salim Al-Sabah; Qatari Minister of States for foreign Affairs Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud; Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifah; and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zaid bin AL-Nahayan. On their arrival at Riyadh Air Base Airport ,they were greeted by Prince Saud Al-Faisal, GCC Secretary General Abdul Rahman Bin Hamd Al-Attiyah, Prince Turki Bin Mohammad Bin Saud Al-Kabeer, the foreign under secretary for political affairs, GCC countries accredited ambassadors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a number of high-ranking officials. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, addressed the 101st preparatory session of the ministerial council for the 27th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. The Foreign Minister's speech focused on GCC issues and Arab causes. On Iraq, the minister stressed concern for the security, unity and safety of Iraq. On Lebanon, he urged the Lebanese to work for their unity, security and stability. Prince Saud addressed the situation in Iraq, and warned against sectarian violence and the "perils of partition." The minister called for ending outside interferences in Iraq. "I appeal on the basis of the decision taken in a special ministerial committee meeting recently held in Cairo with regard to holding an Iraqi conference for national harmony," he said. "It requires coordinating with the Iraqi government and various Iraqi groups. The meeting is essential to protect Iraq from the perils of a partition and sectarian violence threatening regional security." The minister said that the current situation in Iraq required that countries of the region try their best to bring about peace, stability and territorial integrity of Iraq, the Saudi Press Agency reported. Prince Saud also stressed the need for the Lebanese people to strive for their national unity and "strengthening the security, stability and prevalence of the law, sanity and wisdom besides engaging in a national dialogue. Or else the country's political stability, integrity and independence will be in jeopardy." Prince Saud also called for expediting moves to treat all GCC citizens equally in all areas. On naming the summit, he stated that Saudi Arabia has decided to name the forthcoming GCC summit as "Sheikh Jabir summit" after the late Sheikh Jabir Al Ahmad Al Sabah. On economic GCC cooperation, the minister called for making GCC citizens equal in all cooperation fields. Following the speech, the GCC foreign ministers held a closed-door session. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister, met with the Secretary General of Gulf Cooperation Council Abdul Rahman Al Atiyyah. During the meeting, they discussed GCC issues of common interest. Al Atiyyah commended Saudi Arabia's pioneering and distinguished role at all levels. Prince Saud Al-Faisal, the Foreign Minister and Chairman of the current session of preparatory ministerial council for the supreme council of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries GCC " Jaber Summit'' due to be held in Riyadh on december 9-10 and Abdul Rahman Bin Hamad Al-Atiyyah, the GCC Secretary General held a press conference following the conclusion of session 101 of the ministerial council. In his speech, Al-Atiyyah highlighted the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz to name the GCC summit as Jaber summit in recognition of the pioneering role of late Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah in support of the joint Gulf march. On his part, Prince Saud said that the session prepares the agenda and draft resolutions for GCC leaders. Replying to a question on dispatching a delegation for negotiations with Iran on its nuclear file, Prince Saud said the delegation has not been formed, but it was agreed to contact with Tehran. Real preoccupation focuses on environmental aspects of nuclear reactors on the gulf coasts; he noted and added that they are real risks. He hoped that Iran cooperates with GCC countries to put controls for non-occurrence of probable disasters. The region is sensitive and many interests are linked with it, thus cooperation is requested by all parties, he said. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said that the six Gulf Cooperation Council member states will express their concern to Iran about the prospect of nuclear power plants being developed on its side of the Arabian Gulf coast. "We hope that Iran would take this into account and cooperate with GCC countries in order to take necessary measures against any calamity, which is likely even in the best of circumstances," said the minister. "Cooperation between all parties is required as the region is sensitive and linked with various interests." The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is hosting in Riyadh the 27th session of the Supreme Council of the member countries of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This summit meeting is convened following the silver jubilee anniversary of the GCC States, which was celebrated on May 25, 2006. Their Majesties and Their Highnesses - the leaders of the Council countries, will continue discussions at the 27th session, on means of enhancing cooperation and coordination in various fields including economic, political, security, social and educational spheres. The session will focus on the GCC leaders' directives and guidance to continue the march of welfare and development witnessed by the GCC States and the establishment and consolidation of the bases of the GCC entity and ways of strengthening foundations for achieving the ambitions and aspirations of its citizens through the process of deepening cooperation and constant endeavors. The march of the GCC countries' cooperation achieved over twenty-five years, the continual growth in their achievements in various fields for the benefits of their citizens were the outcome of the blessings of Allah almighty and the tenacity and determination of Their Majesties and Their Highnesses - the leaders of the Council, according to a report of the Saudi Press Agency. The GCC is made up of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, The Minister of Culture and Information, Iyad bin Ameen Madani will open the Information Center at Marriott Hotel in Riyadh. The Center is set up by the Ministry of Culture and Information for the media men, who will cover the 27th session of the Supreme Council of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to be held in Riyadh. Also, Iyad Madani will open a GCC Information Exhibition, which is to be organized on the fringe of the two-day Summit meeting. The Exhibition contains books, publications and photos projecting aspects of the process of development and progress in the GCC countries. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Under Secretary for External Information Dr. Saleh Al-Namlah said that the Ministry prepared a cultural program for the media men, who are covering works of the session. "The program also includes a visit by the media men to King Fahd Cultural Center and other prominent landmarks of the city of Riyadh," he added. He noted that the Ministry has intensified its efforts toward facilitating the task of the media men. The Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has issued its annual report for this year, highlighting the achievements of the GCC over the last 25 years to mark the 27th summit of the GCC scheduled for Riyadh this month. The 107-page report covers politics, military, environment, economics, information and human affairs. The Secretary General of the GCC Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah expressed pride and appreciation for the generous support the leaders of the GCC countries render for the march of council. The GCC States have been vigorously pursuing the sublime goals for which the Cooperation Council was established. The overall aim of the GCC is to strengthen the various aspects of cooperation and integration among the Member States, and to actualise their aspirations for a better future, culminating in healthy integration among them. As the GCC States occupy an important position in the world, the officials in the External Media Unit felt the need to provide a brief and accurate information booklet on the Member States of the GCC. Therefore, we deemed it proper to publish a booklet that provides concise basic information about the six Member States of the GCC that would be of benefit to the general readers and researchers. The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf is a political, economic, social, and regional organization according to the principles and goals outlined in its founding Charter. The GCC is a regional cooperation organization formed by the States of the Arabian Gulf to confront the challenges imposed by the prevailing conditions around the region. Its field of activity encompasses politics, economics, security, culture, health, media, and education. It also covers legislative, administrative, and industrial affairs along with minerals, agriculture, and water and animal resources. Member States of the GCC are the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Sultanate of Oman, the State of Qatar and the State of Kuwait. The GCC States are situated in Arabian Peninsula in West Asia occupying the region lying between the latitudes 15° and 35° north and longitude of 35° and 60° east of Greenwich. In the north lie Iraq, and Jordan. In the south, GCC States are bordered by the Arab Republic of Yemen and the Arabian Sea. The eastern side overlooks the Arabian Gulf. To the west lies the Red Sea. According to the 2000 figures, the total population of the GCC States is 31,015,200. The total area is estimated to be 2,667,000 sq km according to 1998 data. Shared geographic features, existence of similar systems and social bonds, and the similar nature of challenges facing them, were the essential characteristics that lead to the formation of the GCC. Given these shared characteristic, the Foreign Ministers of the six countries met in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on the 4th of February 1981. The closing statement issued at the end of the meeting stated, " the Ministers agreed to establish a council for cooperation between the States of the Arabian Gulf, and to form a Secretariat-General to achieve this goal, and to convene regular summit meetings at the Ministerial level so as to realise the desired goals of these countries and their people." On 25 May 1981, the first GCC summit conference was held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Since then, GCC summits have been regularly convened annually. The Goals of the GCC are 1. To achieve cooperation, coordination, integration and cohesion between the members states in all fields, culminating into their unity; 2. To deepen and reinforce the bonds and links and the cooperation existing between their people in the various fields; 3. To adopt similar systems/laws in the various fields including the following: a. Economic and Financial Affairs, b. Commerce, Customs, and Transportation, c. Educational and Cultural Affairs d. Social and Health Affairs e. Media and Tourism f. Legislative and Administrative Affairs 4. To push forward the wheel of scientific and technological progress in the field of minerals, agriculture, water and animal resources; to build scientific research centres; and to establish joint ventures; to encourage cooperation of the private sector, so that it may bring good results upon its peoples. The GCC is composed of the following major organs: 1- The Supreme Council: It is the highest authority of the GCC. It is composed of the Heads of State of GCC member countries. Its presidency rotates according to the alphabetical order of the names of the countries. The Supreme Council holds two sessions annuallyone ordinary and one consultative. It may also call emergency sessions. Sessions are held in the Member States. The Commission for the Resolution of Disputes is subordinated to the Supreme Council. It is composed of GCC citizens who are not a party to the dispute. Their numbers cannot be less than three. The Commission looks into the disputes arising between the GCC States as well as differences emerging in relation to the interpretation of the founding Charter. 2. The Ministerial Council The Ministerial Council is composed of the Foreign Ministers of the Member States of the GCC or their deputies. The presidency of the Ministerial Council remains with the country that has assumed the presidency of the last ordinary session of the Supreme Council. The Ministerial Council convenes its ordinary sessions once in every three months. It may hold emergency sessions. Its sessions are deemed to be valid if attended by two-thirds of the Member States. 3. The Consultative Commission of the Supreme Council The Supreme Council of the GCC resolved, in the 18th session held in the State of Kuwait in December 1997, to set up a Consultative Commission of the GCC Supreme Council, consisting of thirty members (five members from each country for a term of 3 years, subject to extension). The Consultative Commission held its first meeting in the State of Kuwait in November 1998. 4. The Secretariat-General It is headed by the Secretary-General who is aided by Assistant Secretaries-General and the supporting staff. Its official headquarters is in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It has the following sectors: § Secretary-General's office § Political Affairs Sector § Economic Affairs Sector § Military Affairs Sector § Human and Environmental Affairs Sector § Legal Affairs Sector § Financial and Administrative Affairs Sector § Information Centre § Internal Control Unit § Administrative Development Unit § GCC Delegation in Brussels § Patents Bureau for the GCC States The GCC was founded on 25 May 1981 in Abu Dhabi and this year we commemorate its silver jubilee to honour twenty-five years of its existence. It has weathered a quarter of a century with proud accomplishments and has stood the test of time as a viable institution. The leaders of the GCC States had the vision and foresight to establish an organization that would reinforce and institutionalize cooperation and coordination between the six States of the Arabian Gulf. The GCC States share a common culture, religion and language and ancestry. Geographically, we are one contiguous unit. They have remarkably similar social, political and economic situations. They have innumerable points of convergence between our Member States. Therefore, it was only natural for our leaders to break the artificial barriers and embark on path of cooperation and convergence culminating in integration and unity. The GCC has moved from strength to strength. The leaders of the GCC States, with their prudent and concerted policies, have been able to prevent their States from being dragged into the morass of instability that surrounds them. In a region marked by chaos and conflict, the GCC States, by the Grace of Almighty God, and by virtue their sagacious leaders, have been able to present themselves as models of stability, security, welfare and prosperity. They have been blessed with presence of vast oil and gas resourcesfuels that drive the world economy. Since they are aware that the health of their economy depends on the well-being of the world economy, they have ensured that the world gets adequate fuel supplies. The aim of the GCC member states is to safeguard the interests of both the producers and consumers. The income generated from oil and gas has been invested in education, health, development of infrastructure, industry and agriculture etc. The Member States have taken initiatives to attract foreign capital in all sectors of the economy. They are taking steps to boost tourism by heavily investing in all areas of the sector. In the field of commerce, the GCC States are working closely on crucial issues like consumer protection, and prevention of commercial imitation and cheating. They are taking steps to rectify the imbalance in the population composition. Work is underway to publish a GCC Human Development Report, and studies are being conducted to establish a Statistics Centre for the GCC States. In order to further improve transportation, the Member States are studying the idea of interlinking the GCC States with railroad network. A study to evaluate the existing transportation infrastructure is also being considered. The GCC States are actively seeking the partnership of other countries and economic groupings and blocs with a unified voice. They are very optimistic that this year the Free Trade Agreement would be signed before the end of this year. Talks are being held with China, India, Lebanon, Pakistan and others to establish a Free Trade Area. All GCC States, including Saudi Arabia, are now full time Members of the WTO. The GCC States care for the environment. As part of the latest efforts, the Ministerial Council of the GCC recommended the submission of the Unified Reference-Model Law on the Control of the Ozone-Depleting Substances in the GCC States to the Supreme Council. While expressing regret at and condemnation of the terrorist acts that have taken place in a number of countries of the worldacts that have terrified the peacefulthe Council asserts that these criminal acts will only strengthen the resolve of the world in the fight against terror, consolidate international cooperation in eliminating the terrorists and their supporters. The GCC reiterates the need to mobilize the efforts of all the nations of the world to stand up in the face of terrorism and repulse it in all its forms and shapes. The GCC has many achievements to its credit; but is also confronting the challenges in a rational manner. The Arabian Gulf region is undergoing sea changes in relation to the development of women, human rights, and all-round reforms which have to emerge from within and should not be imposed from the outside. They have chosen for themselves the path of modernization, progress, and development, while proudly treasuring our rich culture, heritage and values. The joint process of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf is a continuous and dynamic process. It draws lessons from the obstacles that hinder it. The Secretariat-General of the GCC tries to raise its performance and always endeavours to be innovative in its style of functioning. The peoples of the GCC States have genuine ambitions that need to be translated into tangible achievements. Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC States constantly endeavour to actualise these aspirations and reach the highest levels of achievement comparable with the expectations of the peoples. What has already been achieved give us reasons to be optimistic and to look forward to more.