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GCC urges restraint after military escalation in Yemen

Caption: Photo shows burning oil storage facilities in Hodeidah, Yemen. (Xinhua/IANS)

Saudi Arabia has clarified that the Kingdom has no relation to or involvement in targeting Hodeidah and will not allow any entity to violate its airspace…reports Asian Lite News

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) expressed deep concern over the military escalation in Yemen and the Israeli attacks witnessed in Al Hudaydah Governorate. It said the action exacerbated the current tensions in the region and are detrimental to the ongoing efforts to end the war on Gaza and reach a political solution in Yemen.

In a statement, GCC Secretry-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, emphasised that the continuation of military operations in the region threatens regional and international security and stability, and leads to the exacerbation of the humanitarian situation in the region.

He called on all parties to exercise restraint and urged the international community and active states to assume their responsibility in ending the conflict in the region. He reiterated the continued efforts of the GCC countries to end the war in Gaza and support the peace efforts in Yemen.

Furthermore, he stressed the necessity for all international and United Nations efforts to continue to stop the Israeli occupation forces from their ongoing violations and reach an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as well as all Palestinian territories, which will contribute to stopping the cycle of conflict and reaching a peaceful solution in accordance with the relevant international resolutions.

No relation or involvement: Saudi

The Saudi Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kingdom is following with great concern the developments of the military escalation in Yemen after the Israeli attacks in Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

The Ministry said on Sunday that the attacks on Saturday aggravate the current tension in the region and halt the ongoing efforts to end the war on Gaza, calling on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to distance the region and its people from the dangers of war, Xinhua news agency reported.

It also called on the international community and active, influential parties to fulfill their responsibilities to end regional conflicts.

Saudi Defence Ministry Spokesperson Turki Al-Maliki said on Sunday that the Kingdom has no relation to or involvement in targeting Hodeidah and will not allow any entity to violate its airspace.

The Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah killed six and wounded 83 others.

Meanwhile, Israel’s army said on Sunday it has intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched by Houthi forces in the Red Sea targeting the resort city Eilat.

Before the interception, the missile triggered sirens in Eilat, Israel’s southernmost city. “The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) Aerial Defence Array successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile that approached Israeli territory from Yemen using the Arrow-3 Aerial Defence System,” the Israeli military said in a press statement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The missile did not cross into Israeli territory, the military added.

Hezbollah retaliates

Houthi group vowed to “hit vital targets in Israel” while Lebanon’s Hezbollah retaliated with rockets after Israel had launched airstrikes on different areas in Yemen and Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets targeted “military targets” of the Houthi militia, as a response to “the hundreds of attacks carried out against the State of Israel in recent months.”

The statement came after Houthi top negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam said the Israeli strikes would not stop the military group from targeting “Israeli cities and ships.”

Hodeidah residents said a big column of black smoke and fire at the scene could be seen from miles away. Fire trucks and ambulances rushed to the scene as authorities cordoned off the area near the Red Sea.

Since March 2015, Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition to support the Yemeni government forces in confronting the Houthi group.

The Israeli airstrikes came a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a building in Tel Aviv that killed a person and injured 10 others.

Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group fired dozens of rockets into northern Israel on Saturday, targeting a kibbutz for the first time in nine months in retaliation for an Israeli drone strike earlier in the day.

A few hours before Hezbollah’s attack, seven people, including four children, were injured when an Israeli drone strike hit a tent belonging to a displaced Syrian, and a car parked next to it, in the southern Lebanese village of Burj al-Muluk.

Later that night, Israeli warplanes targeted an ammunition warehouse belonging to Hezbollah in Lebanon’s southwest town of Adloun, wounding at least five citizens and completely demolishing the house, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua.

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Pan-Arab cooperation key amid ongoing challenges: GCC chief

The GCC chief underlined the significance of today’s gathering as proof of Gulf and Arab resolve to expose Israeli occupation oppression and inhuman practices…reports Asian Lite News

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Al-Budaiwi said that the member countries attach paramount significance to common Arab action amid the current challenges haunting the Arab world.

According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Al-Budaiwi made the remark during a press conference after partaking in an Arab Parliament session held at the Cairo-based Arab League. He pointed out the historical and effective role of the Gulf bloc in promoting Arab unity,
strengthening citizenship, and offering all types of backing to Arab countries at political, economic, developmental, social, and humanitarian levels.

The GCC chief underlined the significance of today’s gathering as proof of Gulf and Arab resolve to expose Israeli occupation oppression and inhuman practices.

Israeli attacks on camps draw UAE ire

The United Arab Emirates has condemned and denounced in the strongest terms the continuing Israeli violations in the Gaza Strip, and the most recent targeting of camps for displaced people in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, which led to numerous deaths and injuries to dozens of innocent civilians.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of ensuring the immediate, safe, sustainable, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian, relief and medical aid to the brotherly Palestinians.

The Ministry reaffirmed the need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life, reiterating the importance of protecting civilians and civilian institutions, according to international law including international treaties.

The UAE called on the international community to intensify efforts to avoid further fuelling the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and to advance all efforts to achieve a comprehensive and just peace.

UAE provides 3 tonnes of medical supplies for Khan Younis

The UAE urgently provided three tonnes of medical supplies and a variety of medicines to support the healthcare sector and hospitals still operating in Gaza Strip, following the recent events and developments in Khan Younis.

This response came after calls from the health sector regarding a shortage of medicines, including Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, to ensure the continued provision of medical services to the injured, patients, and healthcare for all displaced people.

The medical aid includes a number of necessary medical supplies for hospitals facing shortages, medicines for various types of injuries, a quantity of insulin dosages for diabetic patients, and various solutions to support the healthcare sector in this critical situation.

The UAE, in coordination with various hospitals and international medical organisations, aims to enhance the healthcare situation in Gaza Strip after its deterioration due to the war, which resulted in dozens of hospitals going out of service due to destruction and a lack of sufficient medicines and medical supplies to continue providing medical services to patients and the injured in various areas of Gaza Strip.

The UAE has provided a series of medical assistance to hospitals in Gaza Strip, including 10 ambulances equipped with all modern capabilities. The total amount of assistance sent by the country has reached 337 tonnes, including medical devices, medicines, and essential supplies for the Ministry of Health to increase the capacity within medical care institutions and hospitals.

ALSO READ-GCC condemns continued Israeli aggression

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GCC condemns continued Israeli aggression

The council rejected any justifications for the continued aggression against the Palestinian people…reports Asian Lite News

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in the Gaza Strip and expressed its support for the Palestinian people.

In a joint statement during the Interactive Dialogue with the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem and Israel, the GCC called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.

The council also rejected any justifications for the continued aggression against the Palestinian people.

The GCC expressed regret over the findings of the International Commission of Inquiry report and held Israel fully responsible in front of the international community.

Qatar’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Dr. Hend Abdalrahman Al-Muftah, speaking on behalf of the GCC, emphasised the Israeli occupation’s ongoing violations and attacks against innocent civilians, resulting in the deaths of 38,000 people in the Gaza Strip.

These actions were described as clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law.

Dr. Al-Muftah expressed disappointment that the committee’s report seems to equate the victim, the Palestinian people, with the perpetrator, the occupying power, which has been committing acts of genocide and violating the rights of Palestinians for over 75 years with disregard for international laws.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Home Front Command has announced the lifting of security restrictions in numerous communities near the Gaza Strip, marking a significant easing of measures since Hamas’ attack on October 7, 2023.

The new guidelines, applicable to the “Gaza Envelope” area extending up to 7 km from the Gaza border, exclude 25 communities, such as Sderot and Kerem Shalom, situated closer to the border.

According to a statement from the military, the decision follows a comprehensive assessment by Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi, Xinhua news agency reported.

Under these revised directives, outdoor educational activities can resume without constraints, gatherings of up to 1,000 people are permitted, and workplaces and essential economic activities can proceed unrestricted.

The adjustments in the Home Front Command’s defensive protocols are aimed at easing restrictions on civilian life by the current operational assessment to help revitalise agriculture, economy, and education, said the military in a statement.

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Al Marar heads UAE delegation in GCC Ministerial Council

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, joint ministerial meetings were held separately with the Republic of Yemen and the Republic of Türkiye…reports Asian Lite News

Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, has headed the United Arab Emirates delegation participating in the 160th meeting of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) Ministerial Council, which was held today in the Qatari capital, Doha.

The final statement issued by the 160th session of the GCC Ministerial Council included the latest developments in joint Gulf action and developments in regional and global political issues.

The statement also referred to strengthening partnerships with other countries, and continuing communications and strategic relations between the GCC member states and regional and international countries and organisations.

On the sidelines of the ministerial meeting, joint ministerial meetings were held separately with the Republic of Yemen and the Republic of Türkiye, during which aspects of cooperation and reinforcing coordination were discussed. Furthermore, views were exchanged on regional and international developments within the framework of the strategic dialogue.

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US steps up defence ties with GCC

The representatives of the US and GCC member states convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday to enhance defence cooperation through defence working groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Maritime Security….reports Asian Lite News

The United States is intensifying its defence cooperation with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to tackle what has been described as one of the region’s “most challenging periods in recent years,” the US Department of Defence has announced.

The representatives of the US and GCC member states convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia yesterday to enhance defence cooperation through defence working groups on Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) and Maritime Security.

This meeting follows a significant escalation in regional tensions, including a massive drone and ballistic missile strike by Iran on Israel and ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The meeting, chaired by GCC Assistant Secretary General for Military Affairs Major General Eisa Al Mohannadi and U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for the Middle East Daniel Shapiro, included representatives from all GCC countries and senior officials from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Joint Staff, Missile Defence Agency (MDA), and Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

In the IAMD Working Group, participants addressed the pressing air threats in the region, including missiles and unmanned aerial systems (UAS), and discussed multilateral strategies to counter these shared threats. The U.S. Department of Defence and CENTCOM presented plans to bolster and integrate regional air and missile defence and early warning systems.

Both the U.S. and GCC committed to prioritizing IAMD development and are preparing for a significant meeting for the GCC Early Warning Study later this summer, aiming to lay the groundwork for a comprehensive integrated defence system.

Assistant Secretary Shapiro stressed the increased importance of US-GCC defence dialogues, stating, “The US-GCC defence working groups are rooted in a strong US partnership with the GCC and our collective commitment to cooperating on regional security issues.”

He highlighted the decade-long collaboration aimed at addressing regional threats and crises, noting the US’s vested interest in deepening these partnerships.

The meeting also emphasized the critical importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and adherence to international law in regional waters. Discussions included strategies to enhance information sharing, counter proliferation, and improve the efficiency of combined interdictions.

Highlighting the pervasive threats from Iran and its proxies, Shapiro condemned Yemen’s Houthi militia for its acts of terrorism in the Red Sea targeting civilian shipping.

The discussions were heavily influenced by the April 13 Iranian attack on Israel, which Shapiro described as a “watershed moment in the Middle East.” He underscored the necessity of integrating air and missile defences across the region, citing the successful defence against Iran’s attack as proof of the effectiveness of such cooperation.

“This attack demonstrated the real-world impact of our integrated air and missile defence efforts, showing that collaboration saves lives and prevents conflicts from escalating,” Shapiro said. He added that ironically, Iran’s aggression had inadvertently strengthened US-GCC cooperation on air and missile defence.

Looking ahead, Shapiro indicated that Washington’s Gulf partners are committed to increasing integrated air and missile defence capabilities, aiming to establish a GCC-wide air defence system. Additionally, US officials proposed joint military training to ensure operational coherence among the forces.

A senior US defence official, speaking anonymously, noted that Gulf partners are “laser-focused” on understanding the Iranian threat, Arab News reported.

He remarked that the nature of the conversation with the GCC in May 2024 is markedly different from any prior to the April 13 attack, reflecting the heightened urgency and collaboration in the wake of recent events, it was reported.

During the meetings, US and Gulf officials discussed enhancing information sharing, countering proliferation, and improving the effectiveness of combined interdictions against illegal maritime shipments to the Houthis.

Both working groups underscored the strategic importance of continued collaboration, building on the foundations laid during the 2023 discussions.

The US and GCC states reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing periodic meetings to further strengthen their cooperation in IAMD and Maritime Security.

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QEF Discusses GCC’s Shift Away From Oil

Panellists tackled the experience of Qatar and Saudi Arabia in this field diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil and gas resources as a sole source of income….reports Asian Lite News

A panel discussion was held at the Qatar Economic Forum (QEF) under the title: “Reshaping Middle East Economies” which discussed the massive transformations the economies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states have witnessed throughout the last years, especially after they made great strides in increasingly diversifying their economies to reduce dependence on oil and gas resources as a sole source of income.

Accordingly, the panellists tackled the experience of the State of Qatar and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in this field. They reviewed the manifestations of these transformation in numbers, whether in terms of increasing the involvement of the non-oil sector in the gross domestic product (GDP) of these countries, increasing the rates of Gulf women’s engagement in development, or facilitating investment methods in those countries.

HE Minister of Finance Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari inaugurated the panel discussion and afformed that the Qatar National Vision 2030 shaped the theme of these transformations in its economic pillar, adding that Qatar has reached an advanced stage of accomplishing this vision and set three phases, the first one focused on investment in infrastructure through Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) which included railway networks, transportation and hosting major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

After 2022, this economic and social momentum kept focusing on the private sector and economic development centers, including human capital, education, leveraging the cutting-edge technology, environment protection based on sustainable underpinnings and developing other critical sectors, such as industry, tourism and logistical aspects, His Excellency highlighted.

HE the Minister of Finance stressed that the energy sector achieved very crucial financial revenues, and all are of foremost factors which confirm that this economic development will help the State of Qatar achieve a bright future, particularly with the targeted increase in LNG production in 2030, which will almost double the current production levels of 77 million tons of LNG annually.

In response to a question about the financial surpluses resulting from this economic boom, he pointed out that the Ministry of Finance has a financial policy framework, indicating that these surpluses will be directed accordingly, as a certain part is allocated to support the state budget, reduce public debt, support the investments of the QIA , and improve the reserves of the Qatar Central Bank. This is in addition to facing the potential for market volatility, which ensures the financial stability of the state.

He highlighted that the issue of inflation is an issue of concern to all countries of the world, and it is necessary to shed light on this economic issue and unite efforts by working with all international organizations to reduce the obstacles that exacerbate this global phenomenon, adding that the issue of financial inflation is not a worrying issue.

As for the Gulf countries, compared to the United States of America, for example, the inflation rate in the State of Qatar has reached the lowest levels in recent years. This is because of the plan in place. Of course, he said, this is a challenge for the region, and Qatar cannot exclude itself from the challenges that exist in other countries, including geopolitical issues related to conflicts and tensions, especially in Yemen, Sudan, and Palestine, affirming that these tensions pose difficulties when there is a talk about the map drawn up to achieve the vision.

HE Minister of Finance of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Mohammed Al Jadaan highlighted some achievements as part of the Saudi Vision 2030, highlighting the GCC countries’ economic diversification strategies that go beyond their oil revenues to diversified, sustainable economies that empowers the private sector and youths who know how to use technology, can be entrepreneurs and be future leaders.

His Excellency added that Riyadh managed to increase non-oil revenues over the past seven years by 37 percent from 10 percent in 2016 when the Saudi Vision 2030 was introduced. The unemployment rate upped from 12.3 percent to 7.7 percent and around 2.3 million people were employed by the private sector.

He spoke about the highly important role of tourism to help the private sector further grow as part of the country’s vision, yet he added that Saudi Arabia and the whole region is battling shipping industry challenges that need to be solved. 

HE Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, spoke about the decades-long GCC strategies to achieve economic diversification and find a unified capital for economic development.

This economic diversification and resilient policies led to an economic revolution and prosperity that found many young entrepreneurs, he added.

He added that the GCC achieved great local human capital development thanks to the wise leaderships in all GCC countries 

He added that the GCC countries were also concerned with development beyond their borders, which was manifested in financing projects worth more than $182 billion.

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EU explores alternatives amid stalled FTA talks with GCC

The Commissioner explained that the EU already has 70 trade agreements with global partners and is keen on forging all kinds of international agreements, in particular trade agreements….reports Asian Lite News

As there is no progress in European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council talks on a free trade agreement (FTA), the EU is actively seeking alternative avenues for economic cooperation with GCC states, said Johannes Hahn, the EU Commissioner for Budget and Administration.

“We would be interested, of course, to get an agreement [with GCC], but we have not made a lot of progress. So, potentially it is also useful to look into alternatives,” he said in an exclusive interview in Dubai, without elaborating on “alternatives”.

EU, UAE aligned as soft powers

Asked whether the EU will be interested in bilateral FTA with the UAE, if no further progress in talks with GCC as a bloc, Hahn asserted the importance of exploring all opportunities.

“I think, the one [talks with GCC] doesn’t exclude the other [potential bilateral deal with the UAE]. And I think it’s important once again, to seize all the potentials and the opportunities. Because at the end of the day, if we have a strong, contractual relationship, this is conducive for both of us.”

He described the alignment between the EU and the UAE as “soft powers” that rely on economic strength and cooperation.

The Commissioner explained that the EU already has 70 trade agreements with global partners and is keen on forging all kinds of international agreements, in particular trade agreements.

“Because we believe this is safeguarding a global order, which is based on agreements and treaties and not on the power of weapons.”

EU bonds

The EU Commissioner was in Dubai to speak at a conference titled “Europe: the opportunity for global investors” on Wednesday.

Talking about the positive reception of EU bonds, particularly green bonds, at the conference, he emphasised the role of these bonds in economic recovery and resilience of Europe, and green bonds facilitating a clean transition not just within the EU but globally.

The EU expects to become the world’s fifth-largest bond issuer within the next two to three years, reaching a total issuance volume of nearly €1 trillion (US$1.07 trillion/ AED3.67 trillion), Hahn said.

He explained that the funds raised from green bonds will be used for various green initiatives, including renewable energy production, energy efficiency, circular economy projects and smart city development.

The Commissioner said the EU is a global leader in issuing green bonds, expecting to reach around €250 billion.

Gender equality, diversity at workplace

About the EU’s commitment to gender equality and diversity in the workplace, he detailed the efforts to create a flexible working environment and promote gender balance at managerial levels.

The official acknowledged the need to catch up in reflecting the diversity of EU society within the Commission’s staff composition. However, he highlighted significant strides in gender equality, with the organisation nearing its target of 50 percent female representation at the managerial level by the end of the current mandate.

He expressed the EU’s interest in potential cooperation with the UAE in exchanging ideas and best practices on gender equality and diversity in the workplace.

Digital transformation, AI

Hahn discussed the EU Commission’s commitment to digitalisation, including investing in artificial intelligence (AI) within the public administration. He emphasised the importance of improving interoperability between member states’ public administrations and highlighted the successful development of a sophisticated e-translation programme that handles the 24 official languages within EU.

“Our translators have translated 2.8 million pages in 24 languages, and this is only achievable with e-translation. This has also reduced the number of translators by 40 percent over the years.”

He acknowledged the potential for cooperation with the UAE in areas such as AI research and innovation, combating disinformation, fake news and sharing expertise. (By Binsal Abdulkader)

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UAE backs GCC efforts to enhance intra-regional trade

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi confirmed that the UAE is committed to supporting the GCC’s efforts in boosting regional integration and prosperity…reports Asian Lite News

UAE Minister for Foreign Trade Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi has led a high-level UAE delegation at the 66th GCC Trade Cooperation Committee meeting in Doha yesterday.

The meeting sought to enhance the GCC economic landscape by promoting regional trade opportunities, supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs, establishing new frameworks for investment and advancing progress on the GCC Commercial Arbitration Center. The session also explored potential amendments to commercial laws on consumer protection, competition regulations, e-commerce, and digital trade.

The UAE delegation included Abdullah Ahmed Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy; Abdullah Sultan Al Fan Al Shamsi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy for the Control and Commercial Governance Sector; and Juma Mohammed Al Kait, Assistant Undersecretary for International Trade Affairs.

Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi confirmed that the UAE is committed to supporting the GCC’s efforts in boosting regional integration and prosperity, stating that it serves the interests of all member states, enhances the competitiveness of local businesses, and fosters partnerships in key economic sectors.

He said: “We very much welcome the Trade Cooperation Committee’s ongoing efforts to boost the regional business environment, particularly in regards to attracting foreign investment, prioritizing support for SMEs, expediting business startup programs, easing export procedures, amending the rules and regulations governing trade, and promoting investment flows among member nations under the GCC Free Trade Agreement. It’s clear the committee’s work will help generate investment prospects for local entrepreneurs and project owners and enhance the sustainability, growth, and global competitiveness of GCC economies.”

During comprehensive discussions on ways to invigorate the GCC business landscape and foster collaboration frameworks among member states, the committee highlighted the need to streamline import and export processes and prioritize GCC SMEs in government tenders.

The Committee also deliberated on various mechanisms to assist to the region’s entrepreneurs. These strategies include implementing training programs, facilitating the exchange of expertise and experiences, promoting investment and partnerships, initiating business accelerator and establishment programs, as well as facilitating the registration of patents across all member states. The objective is to harness the growth enablers of the private sector.

The meeting emphasized the significance of establishing an investment committee that will focus on the advancement of local and intra-regional investments, attracting FDI and fostering partnerships with regional economic blocs and organizations. In addition to benefiting member states and their economies, an investment committee will also create opportunities for cooperation with GCC partners and investment ecosystem stakeholders.

The Committee members reviewed the most recent advancements in the Commercial Arbitration Center, and assessed amendments to the commercial laws and regulations in GCC member states that are seeking to keep pace with technological advancements and economic shifts, particularly in areas such as the regulation of competition and consumer protection. The Committee also highlighted the importance of establishing a unified GCC legislation for commercial franchising, which would effectively regulate the legal relationship between franchisors and franchisees. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trademark and franchise expansion among member states.

Another area of focus was the establishment of a legislative framework for electronic and digital commerce among the GCC countries, ensuring adherence to the procedural regulations of each country. The objective is to promote and strengthen electronic and digital commerce within the member states’ markets. Additionally, there is an emphasis on leveraging their collective expertise in this field.

The Committee also evaluated the arrangements for the second China-GCC Economic and Trade ministerial meeting. It discussed preparations for the accompanying forum, as well as planning for the first session of the China-GCC Forum on Industrial and Investment cooperation, which will be hosted by China this month. The goal of these meetings is to enhance economic and trade collaboration, particularly in areas such as investment, industry, and technology. Additionally, these efforts aim to establish a free trade agreement between China and the GCC, which would benefit both parties.

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GCC, Uzbek officials meet ahead of ministerial meeting

The meeting, scheduled to be held on April 15 in Tashkent, will gather ministers of foreign affairs from the GCC and Central Asian countries…reports Asian Lite News

The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, met Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov in the capital Tashkent on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed preparations for the second ministerial meeting of the Strategic Dialogue between the GCC and Central Asian countries.

The meeting, scheduled to be held on April 15 in Tashkent, will gather ministers of foreign affairs from the GCC and Central Asian countries.

Albudaiwi said GCC countries attach great importance to their relations with Central Asian nations, stressing that holding the joint ministerial meeting less than a year since their first summit is a testament to these countries’ keenness to advance relations at all levels and in all fields.

According to Albudaiwi, discussions are expected to focus on political coordination and collaboration in investment and economy, mainly digital economy, and green energy security and use.

Earlier, Faisal Al-Rawas, chairman of the Federation of the GCC Chambers, said the strategy is focused on developing agricultural, livestock, and fishery projects to achieve added value to the food industries, enabling the countries to achieve food security and sustainability for their citizens, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This comes amid challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, natural disasters, and population growth, prompting GCC governments to implement strict policies to limit the export of agricultural and livestock products to achieve self-sufficiency.

Al-Rawas also drew attention to the fact that the GCC countries have launched several initiatives, projects, and incentives to boost investment in the agriculture and livestock sector.

He stressed the need for the private sector to participate in developing the strategy in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries as well as supportive service sectors to increase food products and commodities.

The GCC official pointed out that the federation has conducted studies to enhance integration in achieving food security, indicating that the added value of the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the Gulf economy amounted to about $30.5 billion.

The volume of investment in food technology in the GCC countries amounted to about $3.8 billion, and the contribution of the agriculture and fisheries sector to the gross domestic product reached 1.8 percent.

Moreover, the number of Gulf companies in the agricultural and livestock sector has grown to 20 percent.

In February, Juan Carlos Motamayor, CEO of the food company Topian, a NEOM subsidiary, told Arab News that Saudi Arabia is set to become a pioneer in food security as it develops systems and solutions that can be rolled out “across the planet.”

He highlighted that this includes introducing new technologies urgently needed to feed humanity today and in the coming decades.

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GCC, EU Discuss Schengen Visa Waiver For GCC Citizens

Al-Budaiwi also met with Beate Gemender, Acting Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Migration and Home Affairs…reports Asian Lite News

Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), and Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary-General of the European Union’s (EU) External Action Service, discussed GCC-European bilateral relations in light of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the EU, including discussions on the visa waiver process for GCC citizens in the Schengen area.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the meeting held in Brussels on Monday discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the GCC and the EU and emphasised the importance of collective action between the two sides to address current challenges.

Meanwhile, Al-Budaiwi also met with Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission responsible for promoting the European way of life in the European Commission in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

During the meeting, Al-Budaiwi emphasised the importance of unifying all efforts that contribute to promoting the concepts of human life, especially in light of the conflicts and crises that have claimed the lives of innocent people worldwide.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the need to enhance coordination and consultation between the two sides to achieve the concepts of security and stability, deepen mutual trust, and cooperate in all areas of “common interest” in order to achieve common interests, including respect for all viewpoints, principles and concepts.

Several topics were also discussed, most notably a review of the strategic and close relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union, in addition to discussing the latest developments related to the process of exempting citizens of the GCC countries from the Schengen visa, and exchanging views on the latest developments in the issues raised on the regional and international arenas.

Al-Budaiwi also met with Beate Gemender, Acting Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Migration and Home Affairs.

During the meeting, several topics were discussed, most notably the Schengen visa exemption process for citizens of the GCC countries, the cooperation mechanism between the GCC and the European Union in the field of migration and development, and a review of the efforts of the two sides in this field and ways to develop and enhance them in a way that serves common goals.

Beate Geminder also praised the efforts of the GCC countries towards strengthening cooperation with the European Union, in many fields, especially mentioning cooperation in the field of combating terrorism, and the constant keenness of the GCC countries to communicate with the European side, and to hold joint workshops in this field. In a 

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