‘GCC still a force for unity after 44 years’

TDT | Manama

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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has endured as an example of Gulf unity, said MP Dr Maryam Al Dhaen, as the bloc marked its 44th year.

She said the Council’s course had been shaped by the steady hand of its rulers, guided by cooperation, mutual respect and shared purpose.

More than tying member states together, she said, the GCC had helped keep the region steady, backed by its political clout and economic strength in the face of fast-moving global pressures.

Dr Al Dhaen said the strides made by Gulf countries in education, public services and infrastructure came from a shared plan and bold thinking aimed at raising the standard of life.

New ideas

These efforts, she added, put the Gulf citizen at the heart, with support for learning, skill-building and room for new ideas.

She pointed to the railway link planned between the six states as a clear example of that effort taking shape. She welcomed the work by the GCC secretariat and rail body, saying the project would help make travel easier, boost trade and bring economies closer together.

Dr Al Dhaen said Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, had kept up its role in driving this effort through fresh proposals and its backing for unity among the Gulf states.

Shared decisions

The lawmaker added that the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, had followed through on shared decisions.

Bahrain, she said, had supported common projects and signed agreements aimed at drawing the six countries closer.

Efforts

Marking the founding of the Council, the legislator said, offered a moment to recall the efforts of the bloc’s early leaders.

Today, she added, the GCC stands firm, united in outlook and calm in the face of pressure.