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2/18/2025 2:26 PMشوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي2/18/2025Secretary General
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​His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the leaders of the Council attach great importance to supporting youth and bolstering their journey in the GCC countries, believing in their crucial role in building a brighter and more sustainable future for our nations. 

He highlighted the significance of joint Gulf work and continuous coordination to promote the youth journey in the GCC, in line with the aspirations of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC, as well as the launch of programmes and initiatives supported by the Committee of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Youth and Sports in the GCC, to elevate the youth sector as an economic and social contributor to achieving the shared GCC objectives.

This came during the 38th meeting of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Youth and Sports in the GCC, held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Kuwait, chaired by His Excellency Mr  Abdulrahman Badah Al Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs in Kuwait – President of the current session – in the presence of Their Excellencies the Ministers of Youth and Sports in the GCC.

At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait and President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC for his continuous support and the blessed efforts exerted by His Highness, as well as to Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the Council for their commitment to advancing joint Gulf work in all fields, especially regarding youth in the GCC, fulfilling their aspirations for more cooperation, connectivity, and integration in order to achieve the noble goals of the Council.

He also congratulated the State of Kuwait on occasion of the 64th Independence Day and the 34th Liberation Day, and on the remarkable success it achieved in hosting and organising the 26th Gulf Cup. He congratulated the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on launching the Federal Youth Authority's "National Youth Agenda 2031," which represents a roadmap for empowering youth and enhancing their roles as essential partners in achieving sustainable development. 

He hailed Bahrain for its outstanding achievements, including winning the Arab Government Excellence Award for the best youth empowerment project with its national initiative "Lamea," as well as its victory in the 26th Gulf Cup held in Kuwait, reflecting its commitment to developing youth capabilities and enhancing its sports presence regionally and internationally. 

He also extended congratulations to Saudi Arabia, its leadership, government, and people on the Founding Day and its successful bid to host the 2034 World Cup, which highlights Saudi Arabia's increasing stature in organising major events. 

His Excellency also mentioned the receipt of the Asian Olympic Council flag in honour of hosting the 2029 Winter Asian Games in Neom, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the Sultanate of Oman for organising the "Together We Advance" and "Meeting with Officials… Dialogue and Communication" programmes during 2024, reflecting the Sultanate's commitment to providing platforms for constructive dialogue between youth and officials. 

Moreover, His Excellency congratulated Qatar on its significant sporting achievements, including the hosting of the Under-17 World Cup for the next five years starting in 2025 and the 2027 Basketball World Cup, which underscores Qatar's international standing.

Furthermore, His Excellency noted in his speech at the meeting that since the inception of the GCC, youth have been always at the heart of the interests of Their Majesties and Highnesses the leaders of the GCC due to their pivotal role in achieving sustainable development and being the driving force behind building a prosperous future for the Council. 

"Based on this vision, the GCC countries have been keen to empower youth, enhance their participation in various sectors, and create a supportive environment for creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship to realise their aspirations and ambitions," he stated. 

In this context, he pointed out that the governments of the GCC countries, under the wise leadership of Their Majesties and Highnesses their leaders, are working to integrate the needs of youth into their national strategies, keeping pace with global changes and optimising investment in human capital. 

"The latest statistics from the GCC Statistical Centre indicate that the age group of 15 to 34 years reached approximately 22.1 million young men and women in 2024, representing 38.4% of the total population of the GCC countries. This high percentage reflects both the potential of youth and the promising opportunities that should be invested in and empowered, as well as the significant demographic weight of youth in building the future of our nations," His Excellency Mr Albudaiwi explained.  

He expressed pride that the GCC has made notable progress in global innovation and youth development indices at both the Arab and global levels, reflecting the success of the policies and strategies adopted by the Council to enhance the status of youth and empower them.

His Excellency the GCC Secretary General concluded his speech by affirming the General Secretariat's support  for enhancing Gulf cooperation to launch quality initiatives that meet the aspirations of youth and support their effective contribution to building a brighter and more prosperous future for the GCC countries and communities.




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HE GCCSG: The leaders of the Council Place Great Importance on Supporting Youth and Enhancing their Journey in the GCC Countries, Believing in their Pivotal Role in Building a Brighter and More Sustainable Future for Our Nations2025
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2/18/2025 5:02 PMوليد الدغباسي2/18/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's hosting of talks between the Russian Federation and the United States in Riyadh is a testament to its leadership role and prestigious position on the international stage, embodying its unwavering commitment to supporting global stability through dialogue and diplomacy.

This was expressed in a message he sent to His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in which he conveyed his sincere appreciation and pride in the significant efforts exerted by the Kingdom under the wise leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in promoting international peace and security.

His Excellency pointed out that this blessed step is a continuation of the wise and balanced political approach that the Kingdom has consistently adopted, aligning with the core principles upheld by the GCC countries in bridging perspectives and resolving crises through dialogue and understanding, thus contributing to the establishment of regional and international stability—principles that  Their Majesties and Highnesses the GCC leaders have instilled in us.

Moreover, His Excellency praised the pivotal role played by the Kingdom under the wise leadership and sound directives of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

His Excellency wished for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continuous security, stability, and prosperity, and success in its noble efforts aimed at elevating the region and enhancing peace in the world.



HE GCCSG: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's Hosting of Talks Among Russia & the U.S. is a Testament to its Leadership Role & High Standing Internationally, Reflecting its Steadfast Approach to Supporting Global Stability through Dialogue & Diplomacy2025
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2/18/2025 5:46 PMوليد الدغباسي2/18/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), received a delegation from the Kingdom of Thailand, led by Her Excellency  Dr Nalinee Taveesin, President of the Thailand Trade Representatives, on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the General Secretariat's headquarters in Riyadh.

During the meeting, several topics were discussed, notably exploring ways to enhance the prospects of constructive cooperation between the GCC and the Kingdom of Thailand, including strengthening trade and investment relations that serve mutual interests and achieve desired goals for the benefit of both peoples. 

The latest developments regarding the establishment of a free trade agreement between the GCC countries and the Kingdom of Thailand were also reviewed.​



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HE the GCCSG Receives a Delegation from the Kingdom of Thailand, Led by the President of the Thai Trade Representatives, to Discuss Ways to Enhance Trade and Investment Cooperation2025
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2/17/2025 3:15 PMوليد الدغباسي2/17/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the number of international tourists arriving in the GCC countries reached 68.1 million tourists by 2023, and that tourism revenues amounted to $110.4 billion for the same year.

He stressed that the approval of projects under the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2023-2030 aims to enhance the tourism position of the GCC countries regionally and internationally, in line with the noble directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC countries and thanks to the efforts of the Committee of Their Excellencies Ministers responsible for tourism in the GCC.

This was mentioned during His Excellency's speech at the 9th meeting of the Committee of Their Excellencies Ministers responsible for tourism in the GCC, held on Monday, February 17, 2025, in the State of Kuwait. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Mr Abdul Rahman Badah Al Mutairi, Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs in Kuwait – President of the current session – and attended by the GCC tourism ministers.

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency the Secretary General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Mishal Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait and President of the current session of the Supreme Council of the GCC for his noble directives and unlimited support for the march of joint Gulf action, as well as to His Excellency Abdul Rahman Badah Al Mutairi for the generous hosting and exceptional organisation of this meeting.

He also congratulated Kuwait on the occasion of the 64th anniversary of its Independence Day and the 34th anniversary of Liberation Day, as well as on the immense success it achieved in hosting the 26th Gulf Cup, which illuminated the region's skies and demonstrated to the world that Gulf countries possess the will, creativity, and capability to organise the largest regional and international events.

"The Gulf Cup 26 was a proud reflection of the spirit of unity and love among our peoples," His Excellency stated. Moreover, he  congratulated Kuwait for hosting the Arab Capital of Culture and Media, a significant achievement that reflects Kuwait and the GCC countries' leading position in supporting culture, arts, and enhancing Arab identity.

Furthermore, His Excellency expressed great pride in the remarkable achievements of Gulf countries that enhance their standing on the international stage. He congratulated the United Arab Emirates, particularly the city of Al Ain, on its selection as the Gulf Capital of Tourism for 2025, noting that this achievement reflects the historical richness and natural beauty of Al Ain and strengthens its presence as a distinguished tourist destination in the region.

He also congratulated them on renewing their membership in the Executive Council of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for the period from 2025 to 2029. Furthermore, he congratulated the Kingdom of Bahrain for its outstanding success in hosting the Gulf Capital of Tourism for 2024, as the exceptional events organised by its capital contributed to an 18.5% increase in tourist numbers compared to 2023, reflecting the positive impact of these initiatives on the tourism sector.

Besides, His Excellency praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its significant win in hosting the 2034 World Cup, which embodies the Kingdom's excellence in sports and infrastructure, confirming its ability to host the largest global sporting events with professionalism and distinction.

He also commended the Sultanate of Oman for launching the unified promotional identity for the Sultanate, which will contribute to enhancing its position as a tourist and investment destination regionally and internationally.

Additionally, he acknowledged the State of Qatar for its significant success in hosting the 51st meeting of the Regional Committee of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation for the Middle East, as well as the conference on "Sports Tourism and the Tourism Industry After the World Cup"

"This affirms that the ongoing achievements and continuous contributions exceed what words can express and confirm the GCC's commitment to joint work for a prosperous future for the tourism sector in our region," he said.

During his speech, His Excellency reviewed several tourism statistics that instill pride and honour among the citizens of the GCC countries, stating that the number of international tourists arriving in the GCC reached 68.1 million by 2023, with a growth rate of 42.8% compared to 2019, achieving 52.9% of the GCC targets for 2030.

"Additionally, tourism revenues amounted to $110.4 billion for 2023, with a growth rate of 28.2% compared to 2019, marking a significant leap that exceeded all expectations, achieving 58.7% of the 2030 target of $188 billion. The market share of the GCC countries in global tourism stood at 5.2% and 7.2% of international tourism revenues, solidifying their position as a key hub in the global tourism scene," His Excellency explained.

In terms of value added to the GDP, His Excellency confirmed that the tourism sector made a notable economic contribution of $223.4 billion to the GDP of the GCC countries, with a remarkable annual growth rate of 29.4% between 2022 and 2023. Additionally, the tourism sector added 1.5 million jobs in 2023, with a growth rate of 17% compared to 2020, he pointed out.




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HE the GCCSG: The Number of International Tourists Arriving in the GCC Countries Reached 68.1 Million Tourists by 2023, with Tourism Revenues Amounting to $110.4 Billion for the Year 20232025
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2/16/2025 11:56 AMشوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي2/16/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), highlighted the significance of ensuring freedom of maritime navigation and maritime security, as well as the necessity of enhancing regional and international cooperation to secure maritime supply chains. 

This was stated in a press release issued by the GCC General Secretariat on the occasion of HE the Secretary General’s participation in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, themed "Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership”,  held on Sunday (February 16, 2025), in the Omani capital, Muscat, with the participation of a select group of senior government officials, including heads of governments, ministers and decision-makers.

At the beginning of the statement, HE the Secretary General expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of Oman,  for hosting this important conference in its eighth edition, which highlights many maritime issues through constructive discussions and the exchange of views to achieve the interests of the participating countries, thereby enhancing regional stability and prosperity.

He also mentioned that the Indian Ocean Conference serves as a strategic platform for exchanging visions on the future of the blue economy, addressing the challenges facing the Indian Ocean region, supporting sustainable development, maritime security issues and utilising modern technology to enhance port security.

Moreover, His Excellency praised the remarks made by His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman, calling for the strengthening of multilateral cooperation to address modern maritime threats such as piracy, illegal fishing and transnational crime, and underscoring the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In conclusion, HE the Secretary General commended the significant efforts of Oman in organising the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, wishing success to those involved in achieving the desired goals and producing outcomes and recommendations that contribute to enhancing the assurance of freedom of maritime navigation, maritime security, economic development and environmental sustainability.​





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During his Participation in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, HE GCCSG Stresses Importance of Ensuring Freedom of Maritime Navigation & Maritime Security, & the Need to Enhance Regional and International Cooperation to Secure Maritime Supply Chains2025
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2/16/2025 12:32 PMشوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي2/16/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman, received His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), today, Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the Omani capital, Muscat, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference themed "Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership."

At the beginning of the meeting, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General congratulated Oman on the success of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, praising the valuable and significant efforts made by Oman to host these regional and global conferences and forums, which contribute, through their goals and joint work, to achieving results that enhance maritime security and stability worldwide.

During the meeting, several topics related to joint Gulf cooperation were discussed, in addition to exchanging views on the latest developments in the regional and international arenas.​

HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate Oman Receives His Excellency the GCCSG on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference2025
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2/16/2025 12:59 PMشوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي2/16/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and His Excellency Mr Omar Fatih Sayan, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of Turkey, discussed ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the transport and logistics sector today, Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the Omani capital, Muscat, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference themed "Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership."


During the meeting, several topics were discussed, most notably those related to cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, in addition to reviewing some projects undertaken by the Turkish private sector in the GCC countries in this area.

The outcomes and results of the first joint meeting between the Gulf Railway Authority and member states with the Turkish side in the field of railways, which was held in May 2024, were also addressed.

Both sides stressed the importance of joint work and strengthening relations in the transport sector, given its significant role in developing and enhancing economic relations within the GCC, striving to achieve common goals and interests and sustainable development.​


HE the GCCSG and the Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Turkey Discuss Ways to Enhance Cooperation in the Transport and Logistics Sector2025
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2/16/2025 12:40 PMشوق عبدالعزيز الزنيدي2/16/2025Secretary General
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His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohammed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with His Excellency Mr  Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, today, Sunday, February 16, 2025, in the Omani capital, Muscat, on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference themed "Voyages to New Horizons of Maritime Partnership."

During the meeting, topics related to the relations between the GCC countries and the Islamic Republic of Iran were discussed, in addition to several matters of mutual interest.
HE the GCCSG Meets with HE the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the Sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference2025
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2/15/2025 12:18 PMوليد الدغباسي2/15/2025Secretary General
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​His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Ms Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organiation for Migration, on Friday, February 14, 2025, on the sidelines of his participation in the 61st Munich Security Conference, in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.

During the meeting, developments in the region were discussed. His Excellency the Secretary General affirmed the GCC's commitment to supporting international efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of those affected by wars and crises, and to strengthening coordination with relevant actors to ensure that aid reaches them effectively.​


HE GCCSG Meets with the Director General of the International Organisation on the Sidelines of His Participation in the 61st Munich Security Conference2025
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2/15/2025 12:14 PMوليد الدغباسي2/15/2025Secretary General
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​His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, Chairman of the Military Committee of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), on Friday, February 14, 2025, on the sidelines of His Excellency's participation in the 61st Munich Security Conference, in Munich, Federal Republic of Germany.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest regional and international developments, including the situation in the region, especially the situation in Gaza. 

His Excellency the Secretary General stressed the need to intensify international efforts to end the suffering of the brotherly Palestinian people and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, affirming the GCC's position in support of regional stability and international efforts to resolve humanitarian crises.

On his part, the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee affirmed during the meeting the importance of the distinguished role played by the GCC states in maintaining regional and international security and stability, praising the status enjoyed by the GCC states in regional and international circles.​


HE GCCSG Discusses Latest Regional and International Developments with Chairman of the NATO Military Committee2025
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