Paramaribo, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi noted the aspiration of the GCC countries and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) to hold their first summit in the near future, stressing the importance of their relations to develop a closer, long-term partnership that serves the interests of both sides and achieves the desired goals.
His remarks came during Albudaiwi’s participation in the 29th regular meeting of the ACS Ministerial Council, held on Thursday in the city of Paramaribo, the capital of the Republic of Suriname, in the presence of Republic of Suriname President Chan Santokhi, and the participation of the association’s member states and international observers.
Albudaiwi said the high-level meeting provides two very important opportunities, which are to discuss and review relations between the GCC countries and the ACS, including issues that affect the peoples of both regions in every aspect. He also stressed that the meeting gains special importance b
ecause it comes in light of rapid regional and international developments.
He noted that the meeting is an indication of the strength of relations between the GCC and the ACS. He recalled the joint ministerial meeting between both sides, held on September 18, 2023, in New York City, where they signed a memorandum of understanding that defines the aspects of partnership and cooperation between them. He also recalled the adoption of the Joint Action Plan for the period 2023-2027, which included the main objectives and mechanisms of political dialogue; ways to encourage and facilitate trade, investment, and tourism cooperation; and cooperation in international forums and organizations. Additionally, he cited the coordinated efforts to confront the challenges facing the global economy, highlighting the GCC countries’ continuous efforts to achieve economic and social growth and prosperity.
During his speech, the secretary-general also stressed the firm position of the GCC towards Israeli aggression on Gaza, dema
nding an immediate and long-term ceasefire, calling on the Israeli occupation forces to stop hostilities throughout Gaza and other areas in Palestine, and ensuring the delivery of all humanitarian and relief aid and basic needs for the Palestinian people.
Albudaiwi expressed gratitude to Suriname Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation Albert Ramdin, whose country holds the ACS rotating presidency, and ACS Secretary General Rudolfo Sabonge for the essential role of the association in promoting cooperation, regional integration, and sustainable development, with the aim of creating an attractive economic climate in the region and preserve the environmental integrity of the Caribbean Sea, which is the common heritage of the peoples of the region.
At the end of his speech, Albudaiwi also thanked the members of the association for their support to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in hosting Expo 2030, in line with the Kingdom’s vision and directions, noting that this reflect
s the development visions of other GCC countries and signifies the culmination of development, economic, and social goals inspired by all the GCC countries. He said it aims to move towards a prosperous future and sustainable development, creating numerous opportunities in trade and investment with member states of the ACS nations.
Source: Saudi Press Agency