His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), confirmed that the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan represents a manifestation of the highest meanings of cooperation and integration, and the sincere mutual desire to enhance the historical brotherly relations that unite the GCC member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, as well as the ongoing efforts to support and develop the strategic partnership between them.
This was stated during the seventh joint ministerial meeting held today, Thursday, March 6, 2025, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in the city of Makkah, chaired by His Excellency Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Yahya, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait - current President of the Ministerial Council, with the attendance of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the GCC countries, along with His Excellency Dr Ayman Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
At the outset of his speech, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General expressed his highest thanks and appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the King of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for hosting this meeting next to the Sacred House of Allah, and for the facilities and support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to ensure the success of joint meetings with brotherly and friendly countries, and for the support and interest that Gulf cooperation work receives from Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC.
He also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the generous hospitality and warm welcome, and for the distinguished organisation and preparation of this meeting.
He stated that the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is being held today against a backdrop of complex regional and international developments and circumstances on all fronts, be they economic, political, or security-related, which are fraught with much concern and tension.
He reaffirmed the GCC countries' steadfast positions in support of the Palestinian cause in light of the rapidly escalating and dangerous developments currently facing it, as "we gather today at a time when our primary cause is experiencing unprecedented escalation against our brothers in Palestine, where daily crimes are committed against them, and they face ongoing attempts to erase their identity,"
Moreover, His Excellency stressed the GCC member states' complete rejection of these violations and dangerous attempts that undermine the foundations of regional and international security, and "I wish to express the GCC member states' support for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in its regional and international efforts to champion Arab causes, foremost among them the Palestinian cause,"
Additionally, His Excellency commended the numerous historical positions that Jordan has taken in this regard, emphasising "our refusal to hold the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan accountable for any consequences arising from inhumane and unjust calls for the displacement of the Palestinian people,"
Furthermore, His Excellency mentioned that today's meeting is an important step in affirming "our determination to face the challenges confronting the region on all fronts, looking forward to continuing to strengthen the foundations of the Gulf-Jordanian strategic partnership towards a model and integrated, and multi-dimensional framework, reflecting the depth and strength of the brotherly and historical relations that link the GCC with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,"
In this context, he noted that those following the Gulf-Jordanian relations will clearly observe the depth of this historical relationship and the common interests between the GCC member states and Jordan.
"This relationship was established a long time ago and was framed by the accomplishment of the strategic partnership between the GCC member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the adoption of a joint action plan for cooperation between the two sides (2020-2025), stemming from deep historical relations, a shared cultural heritage, and in response to the mutual desire and firm conviction of the wise leaderships on both sides," His Excellency said, adding: "This was emphasised by Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC in the final statement in Al-Ula (January 2021) supporting security and stability and enhancing development in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, in addition to intensifying efforts to implement the joint action plans agreed upon within the framework of the strategic partnership between the GCC member states and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,"
He indicated that economic relations between the GCC member states and Jordan have witnessed notable growth in recent years, especially after the adoption of the joint action plan between the two sides.
"The commercial, investment, and economic ties have become significant, benefiting both parties," he stated, highlighting several points: First, the volume of trade exchange from 2020 to 2023 exceeded $36 billion, with expectations of increased trade exchange rates in the coming years due to ongoing economic cooperation between the GCC and Jordan. Second, Gulf investments represent about 40% of the total foreign direct investments in Jordan, distributed across strategic sectors including industry, technology, energy, agriculture, tourism, and financial services, with GCC investments in the Amman Stock Exchange reaching $5.5 billion by the end of October 2024. Third, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan hosted the first Gulf-Jordanian Investment Conference in December 2024, which was attended by over 300 businessmen and women from both the Gulf and Jordanian sides, considering that this conference is a cornerstone to enhancing economic partnership between the two sides and expanding cooperation to serve the interests of our peoples and support the stability and prosperity of our region, which the GCC seeks with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Fourth, the number of joint committees between the two sides has reached 15 in all economic, cultural, and social fields.
Finally, His Excellency the GCC Secretary General concluded his speech by emphasising the importance that the GCC member states attach to dialogue and strategic partnership with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and their aspiration to enhance and develop these relations in various fields.
