Riyadh: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi affirmed that Gulf economic integration is a fundamental pillar for safeguarding developmental gains and addressing challenges amidst exceptional regional circumstances. This came during the eighth extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Preparatory Committee at the ministerial level of the Economic and Development Affairs Authority of the GCC, held yesterday via video conference, with the participation of ministers responsible for economic and developmental affairs.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi stated that this meeting comes at a critical juncture in light of Iranian attacks targeting GCC states, stressing that these developments require moving beyond traditional coordination to a more advanced level of practical integration and effective response. He added that the escalating challenges facing the region are no longer temporary, but constitute a real test of its ability to safeguard its achievements and ensure the efficient and stable functioning of its vital sectors.

He further noted that geopolitical developments have cast a shadow over both the regional and global economic landscape, underscoring the need to strengthen economic coordination and integration among GCC countries and elevate it to more advanced levels. Albudaiwi emphasized that such integration is a cornerstone for consolidating stability, preserving development gains, enhancing the resilience of GCC economies in the face of challenges, and mitigating the impacts of crises.