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GCC, US Welcome Diplomacy With Iran

The GCC Ministers and the US have underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency…reports Asian Lite News

The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have welcomed diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states with Iran to pursue regional de-escalation and emphasized the importance of adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, by states of the region.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, and the GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi met in New York on Monday.

They celebrated the strategic importance of the historic ties among the countries, as per a joint statement following the ministerial meeting of the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) released by the US Department of State.

During the meeting, the Ministers underscored shared commitment to build upon the achievements of previous ministerial meetings, including the most recent ministerial meeting in Riyadh on June 7, 2023, to strengthen consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all fields.

They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region and their illegal determination to deter actions at sea or elsewhere that might threaten shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states.

The Ministers underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

They once again called on Iran to cease its proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles and other dangerous weapons that pose a grave security threat to the region, as per the release by the US State Department.

Iran barred multiple International IAEA’s inspectors assigned to oversee Tehran’s atomic activities in a move described by the U.N. nuclear watchdog chief, Rafael Grossi, as “disproportionate and unprecedented.”

The GCC and the United States reiterated their commitment to work together to deter and address threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity and other destabilizing activities.

The Ministers reiterated their support for the United Arab Emirates’ call to reach a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter.

Iran Seeks Lifting of Sanctions

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi on Tuesday demanded an end to US sanctions against the clerical state, after a halt in talks on restoring a nuclear deal.

“These sanctions have not yielded the desired results. It is time now for the United States to bring a cessation to its wrong path and choose the right side,” he told the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has ordered the unfreezing of Iran’s $6 billion of oil revenue in an effort to thaw the icy relations between the two countries over the nuclear issue even as a prisoner swap was negotiated successfully,  some of them were on a plane back to US.

The President’s deal comes ahead of a UN meeting here where Biden and Iran’s hardliner president will both speak, unfolding as it does, against a backdrop of nuclear tensions between the two countries.

Five Americans imprisoned in Iran were on a plane Monday along with two family members after being released in a prisoner exchange the Biden administration negotiated with Tehran, media reports said.

As part of the deal, $6 billion in frozen Iranian oil revenues was released by the Biden administration and five Iranians charged or convicted of non-violent crimes were freed by the US, according to US officials.

The exchange is in no way tied to the stalled nuclear talks between the US and Iran, but does come as a move to defuse the increasing tensions that periodically threaten a military confrontation. 

ALSO READ-US releases $6bn of Iran’s oil revenues ahead of UN meet

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US, GCC welcome diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia

The Ministers underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency…reports Asian Lite News

The United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have welcomed diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states with Iran to pursue regional de-escalation and emphasized the importance of adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, by states of the region. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council member states, and the GCC Secretary General Jasem Albudaiwi met in New York on Monday.

They celebrated the strategic importance of the historic ties among the countries, as per a joint statement following the ministerial meeting of the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) released by the US Department of State.

During the meeting, the Ministers underscored shared commitment to build upon the achievements of previous ministerial meetings, including the most recent ministerial meeting in Riyadh on June 7, 2023, to strengthen consultation, coordination, and cooperation in all fields.They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region and their illegal determination to deter actions at sea or elsewhere that might threaten shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations in the GCC states.

The Ministers underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency. They once again called on Iran to cease its proliferation of unmanned aerial vehicles and other dangerous weapons that pose a grave security threat to the region, as per the release by the US State Department.The GCC and the United States reiterated their commitment to work together to deter and address threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity and other destabilizing activities.The Ministers reiterated their support for the United Arab Emirates’ call to reach a peaceful solution to the dispute over the three islands, Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa, through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice, in accordance with the rules of international law including the UN Charter. (ANI)

ALSO READ- GCC, US Welcome Diplomacy With Iran

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UAE Supports GCC Reforms

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi said the structural reforms has increased the volume of the foreign trade and strengthened GCC’s position as permanent FDI hubs for investment…reports Asian Lite News

The structural reforms to the economic policies of GCC countries over the past years have contributed to diversifying their economies and raising the contribution of non-oil sectors, especially the industrial sector, said UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

Al Zeyoudi led the UAE delegation at the 65th GCC Trade Cooperation Committee meeting, the 51st GCC Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting, and the sixth meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee for Standardisation, in Salalah, Oman.

The Minister asserted that the UAE, led by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is keen on enhancing cooperation and driving further development of GCC economies, thus fostering shared economic prosperity, global competitiveness, and the well-being of their people.

“The structural reforms has also increased the volume of their foreign trade and strengthened their position as permanent FDI hubs for investment in various sectors,” Al Zeyoudi said.

“Nonetheless, there are still further enhancements needed in the GCC’s economic and industrial strategies and approaches to create more opportunities for the new economic models such as startups, cooperatives, and family businesses, among others. Embracing the pillars of the future economy, which are knowledge, innovation, and advanced technology is equally important in order to enable these sectors to make significant contributions to supporting the growth of GCC economies,” he added.

Al Zeyoudi explained that the UAE appreciates the key role played by the GCC’s sub committees, especially those concerned with consolidating trade, industrial and investment cooperation to create new paths that support joint GCC action in all areas of common interest. The key topics on their agenda support economic and industrial integration of the GCC countries and consolidate their position as attractive FDI destinations. This will lead to the creation of more employment opportunities, especially in the sectors of the new economy and increase the contribution of these sectors to the national GDPs, thus driving the diversification of GCC economies and accelerating the growth of non-oil sectors.

Furthermore, Al Zeyoudi reiterated the UAE’s support for all important outcomes of the trade cooperation, ministerial cooperation and standardisation affairs committee meetings, in a way that contributes to advancing the GCC’s progress and strengthens its leading position on the global economic landscape. He pointed out the importance of strengthening Public-Private Partnership in the GCC countries and providing all enablers for the growth of foreign trade and industrial sectors to provide more opportunities for the private sector.

With the participation of the ministers of trade and industry; members of the Ministerial Committee for Standardisation Affairs; and Jassim Mohammed AlBudaiwi, GCC Secretary General, the three committee meetings addressed several issues that concern the GCC’s private sector and contribute to the trade, industrial and investment integration between them.

The 65th GCC Trade Cooperation Committee meeting discussed several important topics that support frameworks for GCC’s economic and trade integration, including the creation of a permanent committee concerned with investment issues and stimulating investment exchanges among the GCC countries. This committee shall adopt innovative legislation, flexible mechanisms, and the means to increase trade exchanges between the GCC countries, through the development of a set of trade laws. Most notably, these include the Consumer Protection Law and the Competition Law, in addition to the preparation of a unified mandatory legislative framework for e-commerce in the GCC countries.

Meanwhile, the 51st Industrial Cooperation Committee meeting addressed the adoption of the executive regulations for the Unified Industrial Regulatory System, as well as the amended regulations exempting industry inputs from customs duties. The meeting discussed the proposal to establish an e-information platform featuring GCC’s industrial projects, and another proposal regarding the white paper for industry field, and goods subjected to collective protection. It also discussed a report on the experiences of the GCC countries in future industries, and another report on developments in finding a unified definition for local products and the standards they must follow.

Moreover, the sixth Ministerial Committee for Standardization Affairs meeting discussed the report submitted by the standardization authority and its role in defining technical frameworks to guide sustainable development in economic sectors; ensuring the safety of products and services; facilitating trade exchanges; and developing innovation methodologies in various relevant fields. It is also relevant to supporting national trends in establishing and developing new industries in line with the unified GCC standards and specifications that are compatible with international ones. The Committee also discussed recommendations for adopting a set of new GCC technical regulations, and the agreement to establish the Gulf Accreditation Center, to be submitted to the GCC Supreme Council.

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6,755 GCC nationals working in UAE

Emirati talent eyeing opportunities and range of employment roles at leading recruitment fair

The number of Gulf nationals whose service finished at the end of the last quarter of 2022 and worked in the UAE reached 9,718 insured persons….reports Asian Lite News

The General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA) has concluded its unified campaign, which was launched in cooperation with the retirement and social security authorities in Gulf countries. Through this campaign, the Authority raised awareness of the insurance protection extension system for GCC nationals working in GCC countries by introducing the protection extension system, subscription conditions, the mechanism for paying contributions, and benefiting from the insurance benefits for subscribers.

According to the system, insurance is provided to GCC nationals by their employers in the country where the work is located. At the end of the employee’s service period, he will receive a retirement pension or an end-of-service benefit according to the retirement law he is subjected to in the employee’s home country. The insurance benefits of the system extend to the beneficiaries who are supported by the insured or the pensioner during his lifetime.

GPSSA said that according to the latest statistics, the number of active workers in the UAE who are citizens of GCC countries in both public and private sectors until the end of the last quarter of 2022 reached 6,755 insured persons from various countries. The total is distributed as: 4,266 insured persons from the Sultanate of Oman, 87 insured persons from the State of Kuwait, 1120 insured persons from the Kingdom of Bahrain, and 11 insured persons from the State of Qatar, in addition to 1,271 insured persons from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The number of Gulf nationals whose service finished at the end of the last quarter of 2022 and worked in the UAE reached 9,718 insured persons.

The insurance protection extension system requires employers to subscribe on behalf of GCC nationals who work for them to the insurance system established in their country in terms of registration and subscription. The employer must pay the contributions due on their behalf, not exceeding the employer’s share prescribed for UAE nationals working for him, and the GCC employee shall bear the subscription differences, if any.

The unified campaign for the Insurance Protection Extension System was launched in conjunction with the unified campaign launched by the GCC countries to raise awareness of the insurance benefits for Gulf insureds working outside their countries, to contribute to enhancing insurance awareness among individuals, and to ensure fulfillment of obligations for them.

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Iraq, GCC discuss ways to strengthen ties

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani also met with Albudaiwi on bilateral ties in various fields, especially in security coordination…reports Asian Lite News

Iraq discussed with the visiting Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) the ways to strengthen bilateral relations in various fields.

During a meeting with the GCC Chief Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rasheed expressed Iraq’s desire to establish strong political, social, administrative and diplomatic ties with other countries, according to a statement by the Iraqi Presidency on Monday.

For his part, Albudaiwi expressed his full confidence that relations between Iraq and the Arab Gulf states will witness positive developments in terms of electricity interconnections, trade exchange, and other areas, according to the statement.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani also met with Albudaiwi on bilateral ties in various fields, especially in security coordination and drug control, al-Sudani’s media office said in a statement.

At a joint press conference after meeting with Albudaiwi, Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein stressed his country’s strong ties with the GCC states, saying Iraqi foreign policy is “based on developing relations”.

Meanwhile, Albudaiwi asserted the GCC countries’ keenness to ensure Iraq’s security and prosperity and hailed Iraq’s major role in dealing with regional and international issues, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on Monday, Albudaiwi heading a delegation arrived in Iraq’s capital Baghdad on a visit aimed at improving relations between the Gulf states and Iraq.

His visit came a day after Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah’s visit to Baghdad for talks with Iraqi leaders in an attempt to end border demarcation and joint oil field disputes.

After 2003, Iraq witnessed a remarkable development in relations with relations with Gulf states, which reopened their embassies that had been closed following Iraq’s invasion under its former leader Saddam Hussein of Kuwait in 1990.

ALSO READ: Iraq prepares for pivotal provincial elections after 10 years

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GCC, Central Asia stress closer cooperation

Saudi Crown Prince said the summit was an extension of ties to establish a promising start based on the historical heritage, capabilities, human resources, and economic growth of the participating countries…reports Asian Lite News

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Central Asian countries concluded a summit in Jeddah with plans for further cooperation.

The summit, which was chaired by Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was the first-ever meeting between the six Gulf Arab countries and five Central Asian nations: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan.

The leaders and heads of delegations of the participating countries agreed to hold an investment forum between Gulf and Central Asian countries in Saudi Arabia in the last quarter of 2023. They also announced the initiatives of Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan to host the GCC-Central Asian Investment Forum in 2024.

The summit agreed to hold the next summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2025, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a statement, the Saudi Crown Prince said the summit was an extension of ties to establish a promising start based on the historical heritage, capabilities, human resources, and economic growth of the participating countries.

The summit announced the action plan adopted by the GCC and the Central Asian countries for 2023-2027, which includes political and security dialogue, economic cooperation and investment opportunities, and strengthening communication among people.

ALSO READ-India, GCC resume FTA talks

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India, GCC resume FTA talks

The conference is the flagship initiative of both sides to provide an institutional platform for robust engagement between the business communities…reports Asian Lite News

Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, has informed of the resumption of discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the 6th India Arab Partnership Conference.

Under the aegis of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum, the 6th India-Arab Partnership Conference on “New Horizons in Investment, Trade & Services” was organised on July 11, 12. Ministers, senior officials and businesspersons from the Arab States and India participated in it. “India and GCC have resumed discussions on concluding the Free Trade Agreement. We have exchanged preliminary documents, and the delegations have been meeting. We hope this will soon become a reality, bringing newer opportunities for businesses on both sides,” Sayeed said during his special address.

In addition, the secretary alluded to the discussions on exploring alternative forms of trading with GCC nations. “There are discussions with our bilateral partners, talks about Rupee trading, barter trading and many other things, especially under the circumstances where most countries are facing challenges of foreign currency,” he said.

The conference is the flagship initiative of both sides to provide an institutional platform for robust engagement between the business communities. The previous five editions of the conference have guided in laying the foundations of a roadmap and synergizing the economic cooperation between India and the League of Arab States (LAS) countries.

V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) inaugurated the Conference and delivered a keynote address. From the Arab side, the Conference was led by Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Al Malki, Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Economic Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States headquarters who gave a welcome address.

The conference was rich in content with the inaugural session at Ministerial-level, followed by Special Sessions in which discussions were held on investment climates and opportunities. The speakers elaborated on the present state of India-Arab cooperation in various sectors including healthcare, food and energy security and resilient supply chain and means to further enhance them, including by sharing expertise and best practices. The meeting also stressed the important role of the private sector to push trade and investment relations to wider horizons.

On the main day evening, Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) hosted a dinner for dignitaries, speakers and participants from the Arab and Indian sides with MOS being the Chief Guest of the occasion. In the concluding session, Secretary (CPV & OIA) delivered a special address to the participants.

The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the LAS, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Federation of Arab Businessmen (FAB) and Union of Arab Chambers (UAC). In conclusion, the participants conveyed their sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for the excellent coordination in putting together a substantive programme.

​They agreed to convene the seventh edition of the IAPC in the Arab country in the year 2025. (ANI)

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India, GCC resume FTA talks

The conference is the flagship initiative of both sides to provide an institutional platform for robust engagement between the business communities…reports Asian Lite News

Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, has informed of the resumption of discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at the 6th India Arab Partnership Conference.

Under the aegis of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum, the 6th India-Arab Partnership Conference on “New Horizons in Investment, Trade & Services” was organised on July 11, 12. Ministers, senior officials and businesspersons from the Arab States and India participated in it. “India and GCC have resumed discussions on concluding the Free Trade Agreement. We have exchanged preliminary documents, and the delegations have been meeting. We hope this will soon become a reality, bringing newer opportunities for businesses on both sides,” Sayeed said during his special address.

In addition, the secretary alluded to the discussions on exploring alternative forms of trading with GCC nations. “There are discussions with our bilateral partners, talks about Rupee trading, barter trading and many other things, especially under the circumstances where most countries are facing challenges of foreign currency,” he said.

The conference is the flagship initiative of both sides to provide an institutional platform for robust engagement between the business communities. The previous five editions of the conference have guided in laying the foundations of a roadmap and synergizing the economic cooperation between India and the League of Arab States (LAS) countries.

V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) inaugurated the Conference and delivered a keynote address. From the Arab side, the Conference was led by Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Al Malki, Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Economic Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States headquarters who gave a welcome address.

The conference was rich in content with the inaugural session at Ministerial-level, followed by Special Sessions in which discussions were held on investment climates and opportunities. The speakers elaborated on the present state of India-Arab cooperation in various sectors including healthcare, food and energy security and resilient supply chain and means to further enhance them, including by sharing expertise and best practices. The meeting also stressed the important role of the private sector to push trade and investment relations to wider horizons.

On the main day evening, Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) hosted a dinner for dignitaries, speakers and participants from the Arab and Indian sides with MOS being the Chief Guest of the occasion. In the concluding session, Secretary (CPV & OIA) delivered a special address to the participants.

The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the LAS, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Federation of Arab Businessmen (FAB) and Union of Arab Chambers (UAC). In conclusion, the participants conveyed their sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for the excellent coordination in putting together a substantive programme.

​They agreed to convene the seventh edition of the IAPC in the Arab country in the year 2025. (ANI)

ALSO READ-Russia hails GCC trade ties

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Russia hails GCC trade ties

Russia praised the successful efforts of the OPEC+ countries in preserving the stability of the global oil market…reports Asian Lite News

Representatives of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, where the joint action plan between the GCC and Russia for 2023-2028 was adopted, which addresses cooperation between both sides.

Russian foreign minister said at the end of last year, trade between Russia and the GCC countries  was increased by more than six percent compared to the previous year, and exceeded $11 billion.

“Of course, trade is not developing evenly with every country present here, but the general trends are positive. As for individual reserves within the framework of bilateral relations in the trade and economic sphere, we will elaborate on them during today’s meetings,” Lavrov said.

Representing UAE, Minister of State Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, participated in the meeting.

“It is necessary to pay special attention to economic and trade ties between our countries which have been declining due to the pandemic and other problems,” Lavrov said.

“I am confident that the intergovernmental commission will reach a consensus. These meetings were not convened during the coronavirus restrictions. The parties are currently working on the next meeting. We should support them in every way.”

Both sides stressed the importance of supporting the global economy and preserving the stability of the global oil market, the joint statement said.

The Gulf countries and Russia also praised the successful efforts of the OPEC+ countries in this regard, and said there needed to be continued cooperation of all participating countries to adhere to the OPEC+ agreement in a way that served the interests of the global economy, the Arab News reported.

The GCC secretary-general said that cooperation with Russia within the OPEC+ group has had a positive impact on the oil market.

The position of the GCC on the Russia-Ukraine war is aligned with established UN conventions and principles, Al-Budaiwi said.

He added that Gulf Arab states back the UN principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states, as well as any and all mediation efforts to bring an end to the conflict, the Arab News reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed his country’s welcoming of the rapprochement between Gulf states and Iran, and the reintroduction of Syria to the Arab League.

“We have a unified position with the Gulf states towards Syria’s unity and sovereignty over its lands, and Syria’s return to the Arab League has positively affected the region,” he said, it was reported.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, met with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, on the sidelines of the joint ministerial meeting between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Russian Federation in Moscow.

 During the meeting, they reviewed the historical relations for friendship and strategic cooperation between the two friendly countries and peoples. They also discussed ways to enhance and develop these relations in all fields, along with consolidating bilateral and multilateral efforts on numerous files of common interest.

The meeting was attended by Saudi Ambassador to Russia Abdulrahman Al-Ahmad and Abdulrahman Al-Dawood, director-general of the foreign minister’s office, the Arab News reported.

ALSO READ: UAE set to remain Russian tourists’ preferred GCC destination

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GCC nations hail COP28 leadership

The GCC countries supported the team’s call for joint action for the success of COP28, inviting all countries and international organisations to actively participate in the conference…reports Asian Lite News

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations re-affirmed their full support for the UAE’s hosting of COP28 this year and empathised the importance of the climate conference in tackling climate change, following an extraordinary ministerial meeting attended virtually recently.

The meeting, called at the request of the UAE, was chaired by Salim bin Nasser Al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals and Chairman of the National Committee for Climate Change in Oman, and with the participation of Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and COP28 President-Designate.

Also present at the meeting were Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, representing the UAE, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Shamma Al Mazrui, UAE Minster of Community Development and the first-ever COP28 Youth Climate Champion, Dr. Mohamed bin Mubarak Bin Daina, Minister of Oil and Environment, Special Envoy for Climate Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain, H.R.H. Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud, Minister of Energy for Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Mohammed Al Sada, Assistant Undersecretary in the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change for Qatar, Samirah Mohammad Abdullah Al Kandari, Acting Director General of Environmental Public Authority, Kuwait, and Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.

They hailed the appointment of the leadership team for COP28, with Dr. Al Jaber being COP28 President-Designate, Shamma Al Mazrui, the COP28 Youth Climate Champion, and Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion.

The GCC countries thanked the UAE for requesting this meeting and emphasised that they support the efforts of the COP28 UAE Presidency team, as their appointment confirms the UAE’s commitment to transformative development and moving global climate action from negotiations to finding and implementing logical and practical solutions, benefiting from this leadership team’s expertise in sustainable development and climate action.

The GCC countries supported the team’s call for coordination, cooperation and joint action for the success of COP28, inviting all countries and relevant international organizations to actively participate in the conference.

The GCC countries also acknowledged the outcomes of COP27 and congratulated the Arab Republic of Egypt on its successful organisation of the conference.

As developing countries with unique regional conditions economically, socially and environmentally, the Member States affirmed the importance of observing the provisions and underlying principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, especially the principles of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities. The nations stressed that implementation of the agreements should take into account the negative social and economic impacts resulting from response measures to climate change, especially those impacting developing countries, which are most vulnerable to such effects.

The GCC nations stressed that COP28 will need to achieve ambitious and balanced negotiated results that focus on implementing the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and look forward to conducting the first Global Stocktake at COP28.

During the meeting, the efforts of the GCC countries in combating climate change were highlighted, including measures, plans, and programs to ensure environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the region through the circular carbon economy approach, which is a closed loop system involving 4Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, and remove.

The GCC countries emphasised the need for COP28 UAE to achieve tangible progress on the Global Goal on Adaptation in the context of the Paris Agreement temperature goal, and the Mitigation Work Programme (MWP), provided that it includes all means to address greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of their sources or sectors, by using all technologies and sectors, including renewable energy sources and clean hydrocarbons, as well as activating means to support implementation in accordance with the principles and provisions of the Paris Agreement.

COP28

This includes operationalising the Loss and Damage fund and its funding arrangements, the fulfillment of the pledge to provide $100 billion annually by developed countries to support developing countries, starting from 2020, and advancing towards establishing the new collective quantified goal on climate finance.

The GCC countries affirm that achieving a logical, practical, gradual, and just transition in the energy sector is based on three pillars of equal importance: ensuring energy security, economic prosperity for all countries, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The countries support universal access to affordable, reliable, up-to-date, and sustainable energy within a path to achieve sustainable development on a larger scale, through investment in all relevant technologies, including renewable energy, energy efficiency, the use of hydrogen as a fuel, carbon capture, storage and reuse, direct air carbon capture, and nature-based decarbonisation solutions.

They also support other key areas to enhance adaptability to the effects of climate change, such as combating desertification, reducing sand and dust storms, enhancing food security, afforestation, improving land use and water management, and protecting biodiversity, ecosystems, and health.

The GCC nations also welcome the Saudi Green Initiative and the Green Middle East Initiative and consider them effective models for confronting climate change. The GCC nations agreed to hold the next committee meeting to follow up on developments and preparations for COP28 on October 8, 2023, on the sidelines of the MENA Climate Week to be held in Riyadh from 9 to 12 October.

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