CERCLE DIPLOMATIQUE - issue 01/2017

LE MONDE PROMOTION
The Cooperation Council for the
Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)
H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al- Zayani, Secretary
General of the Cooperation Council for
the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) , shed light
on the different phases of the GCC since its inception,
along with the success it achieved in various spheres.
On the driving force behind establishing the Cooperation
Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), he said,
“On 25 May 1981, Their Majesties and Highnesses,
the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Bahrain,
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar
and State of Kuwait convened in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
and agreed on a practical and realistic framework of cooperation joining
the six countries, namely the Cooperation Council for the Arab
States of the Gulf (GCC) in a bid to achieve coordination, integration,
and unity among them in all relevant fields. The decision was not arbitrary
but came as a realization and translation of the long-ingrained
ties joining the six countries as they share the same religion, culture,
language, values, interests, and destiny. Since its inception, the GCC
was envisaged to safeguard the member states’ interests, ensure their
safety and security, and to attain the aspirations of their peoples. The
purpose and objectives behind forming such a solid entity are summed
up and highlighted in the introduction of its article of association,
„Member countries of the council agreed on its establishment based
on their belief that coordination, cooperation and integration among
them serves the sublime objectives of the Arab nation, and for directing
their efforts to supporting and serving Arab and Islamic issues”.
The Secretary General explained the factors which enabled the GCC to succeed in
dealing with many regional, and international political issues,
“History, geographical location, and common borders have been
instrumental in enabling GCC countries to form a fixed stance towards
many regional and international issues based on United Nations conventions
and international laws in a bid to deal with the international
community as one homogeneous group. Their principles revolve
around maintaining good relations with their neighbours, respecting
other countries‘ sovereignty, and adopting discussion and negotiation
as an effective method of settlement of dispute among nations. Moreover,
it never hesitated to support the Arab and Islamic issues as well as
promoting cooperation with foreign countries.
As a result, the GCC has become a role model to be emulated by
other regional political, economic and cultural organizations in the
world“.
As the GCC countries share the same destiny, the Secretary General pointed out
the efforts exerted and measures taken by the GCC countries to safeguard their
sovereignty and ensure their security,
“Their Majesties and their Highnesses the leaders of the GCC states
in the twenty first session of the Supreme Council meeting, which was
held in the Kingdom of Bahrain on 31/12/2000 signed a joint defense
agreement. Such military cooperation entails carrying out joint military
training, and exchanging of expertise and capabilities.
The formation of a joint force known as „ The Peninsula Shield“ in
1982 to protect the security of member states and deter any military
aggression is regarded the crowning achievement of this cooperation.
By the same token, the GCC countries agreed in 1987 upon a comprehensive
security strategy as framework of cooperation in the security
field. It includes, inter alia, traffic, rehabilitation, counter-terrorism,
crime and drug combating, immigration, passports, airport security,
border and coastal security and civil defense. To apply
this strategy on the ground, specialized committees
were formed to discuss the mechanisms of implementation.
The establishment of GCCPOL based in
Abu Dhabi has also reinforced the GCC capabilities
to combat terrorism, organized crime, and narcotic
drugs. As for the GCC Emergency Management Centre
based in Kuwait, it was established with the main
aim to detect and avert any serious risks, threats or hazards
facing any of the GCC countries. It has also played a
pivotal role in carrying out specialized training courses and
programs for experts and specialized personnel from GCC countries
in collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA)“.
As far as economic integration and human development are concerned, the Secretary
General reiterated that they have always been on the list of the GCC highest
strategic priorities:
“The GCC established customs union in 2003, after which the
Common Gulf Market was established in 2007 to guarantee equal
treatment of all GCC citizens in all economic fields such as transportation,
residence, work in the public and private sectors, social insurance,
retirement, investment activities, ownership of real estates, the right to
establish companies, education, health and social services.
At the same time, the GCC has always been concerned to enhance
and strengthen its relations with its most important partners through
strategic dialogue, mutual agreements, technical cooperation, and free
trade negotiations.
Among these prominent partnerships is the strategic partnership
with the United States of America where the first joint summit was held
in Camp David in May 2015, with the second summit being held in
Riyadh in April 2016. As for the United Kingdom, the first GCC- UK
summit was held in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 6-7 December 2016
on the sidelines of the 37th GCC Annual Summit. The summit discussed
the main components of the strategic partnership between the
United Kingdom and the GCC in the political, military, security, economic,
and cultural fields, along with political issues of joint concern.
As far as the European Union is concerned, the GCC ratified a joint
cooperation agreement with the EU in 1988. As per this agreement,
yearly meetings are held at ministerial level in addition to regular meetings
of the joint cooperation and political dialogue committee and
technical committees. In addition, the GCC formed strategic partnerships
with a number of international groups and countries such as
France, Australia, Japan, Canada, Russia, China, and Turkey.
The decision of the Supreme Council in 1993 to treat GCC citizens
working in other GCC members equally with the nationals of the hosting
country during their service demonstrates the strong belief of
GCC Countries collectively that humans are the objectives of development.
This decision was reinforced by another decision in 1995 to streamline
the employment procedures of national labour in GCC countries
and facilitate their movement“.
H.E. reaffirmed the GCC willingness to continue its march of progress:
“The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC)
will continue to exert its utmost efforts to fulfill its long-term objectives
and meet the expectations of its peoples, armed by the wise directives
and far-sighted vision of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of
the GCC Countries. It shall also spare no effort to enhance its presence
and stand out among organizations in the international arena“.
PHOTOS: RALPH MANFREDA, BEIGESTELLT. ENTGELTLICHE EINSCHALTUNG
The Permanent Observer Mission of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) to the United Nations
(UN) in Vienna
Wipplingerstrasse 34/230, 1010 Wien, Austria
Tel: 004315322221
Fax: 00431532222120
e-mail: mission.vienna@gccsg.org