New York: Secretary General of the Gulf
Cooperation Council Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has affirmed that ties between GCC
member states and India are experiencing growing momentum, driven by a shared
determination to advance cooperation and partnership for mutual interests while
strengthening regional security, stability, and prosperity.
Speaking at the 2nd GCC-India Joint
Ministerial Meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General
Assembly in New York, Albudaiwi said both sides attach high priority to the
sustained execution of the Joint Action Plan adopted in 2024, building upon the
outcomes of technical meetings across various domains to turn agreed frameworks
into concrete initiatives and projects. He noted that commencing GCC-India Free
Trade Agreement negotiations marks a pivotal milestone toward unlocking
economic and investment prospects.
Albudaiwi said it is important to deepen
collaboration across energy, technology, innovation, digital transformation,
industry, agriculture, and services, alongside generating expanded
opportunities for the private sector and stimulating cross-border investments.
He also stressed the importance of continuous Gulf-Indian coordination in
countering terrorism and violent extremism, addressing conflicts and
humanitarian crises, and aligning diplomatic positions across multilateral
arenas.
Turning to regional affairs, Albudaiwi addressed the Iranian attacks on GCC member states since February 28, 2026, despite GCC states not being party to the conflict. He pointed out that the disruption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz underscored the direct nexus between the safety of regional maritime routes, global energy security, and international supply chains, stressing the importance of Iran's full compliance with UN Security Council Resolution 2817 and the unconditional restoration of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab. He commended India's position repudiating the Iranian attacks and supporting international endeavours aimed at safeguarding maritime security.
Join on Rehaab Online WhatsApp Group (Click here to join the group)
Follow Rehaab Online Instagram for More Updates (Click here)
