His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), affirmed that the 9th meeting of the Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee for the Economic and Development Affairs Authority serves to strengthen GCC efforts in implementing the directives of the 19th Consultative Meeting of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC.
HE the Secretary General stressed that The GCC Leaders have emphasised the necessity of accelerating the completion of all joint Gulf projects, including transport and logistics, as well as fast-tracking the GCC Railway project and enhancing the GCC Interconnection Grid.
His Excellency noted that the directives also include studying the establishment of oil and gas pipelines, the GCC Water Interconnection project, and moving forward with plans for strategic stockpile zones, while considering the liquidity reserves of central banks.
This statement was made during the 9th meeting of the Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee for the Economic and Development Affairs Authority, held virtually on Thursday (May 14, 2026), and chaired by by His Excellency Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Minister of Finance and National Economy of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and President of the current session of the Ministerial Council, and attended by Their Excellencies the Ministers of Finance and Economy of the GCC states.
In his speech, HE the Secretary General expressed his sincerest thanks and gratitude to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, for the facilities and support the Kingdom of Bahrain provides to ensure the success of the GCC’s work. He also commended the unwavering support and attention His Majesty bestows upon joint Gulf action, extending his gratitude to Their Majesties and Highnesses, the Leaders of the GCC states, for their continuous support across all fields.
"The recent regional developments have proven that enhancing Gulf integration and coordination is no longer merely an institutional choice, but a key element in supporting economic and developmental readiness," His Excellency underscored, stressing that it increases the collective capacity to handle variables and maintain the stability of vital sectors, supply chains, and markets. "This integration serves as a fundamental pillar for absorbing shocks and securing the flow of goods and services, thereby reinforcing the common economic security of the GCC states," His Excellency said.
HE the Secretary General added: “Today’s meeting is held in implementation of the directives issued during the 7th meeting of the Permanent Ministerial Preparatory Committee of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority. These directives concerned the preparation of a framework for the committee’s mandate to enhance its role in supporting the Authority’s work, assisting in monitoring priority economic and developmental issues, and contributing to the completion of strategic aspects within its jurisdiction. This aim is to strengthen the GCC’s collective capabilities in the face of rapid regional and international shifts and challenges.”
