Qatar's Significant Support for GCC Highlighted by Official

Qatar

State Minister and former Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), H E Abdulrahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, emphasized Qatar's significant support and efforts in achieving the GCC's objectives. Speaking to Qatar News Agency (QNA) on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the GCC's founding, H E Al Attiyah highlighted the early strategic vision of the council's founders. He noted their foresight in recognizing the importance of collective action to foster synergy through understanding and collaboration.

Despite facing numerous regional and global challenges, the GCC has remained resilient and active in regional and international forums, unlike some other regional organizations whose roles have diminished, Al Attiyah observed. He affirmed that the founding leaders' vision sought to transcend individual actions and geographical isolation, aiming to create a unified Gulf entity under the GCC umbrella for its six member states.

Reflecting on his tenure as Secretary-General of the GCC from 2002 to 2011, H E Al Attiyah credited the achievements during this period to the support and contributions of the GCC leaders. He adopted a collective approach, promoting team spirit and consultation among officials and experts within the GCC Secretariat. He also praised the Secretariat’s personnel for their significant contributions to its success.

Al Attiyah acknowledged the considerable support from Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who emphasized the need for reform and enhancement of the GCC's performance. He detailed several accomplishments during his tenure, spanning economic, security, military, social, and cultural domains, as well as efforts to enhance the role of women within the Secretariat.

Key achievements included the establishment of the GCC Customs Union, the launch of the GCC Common Market, the Monetary Union, and the Gulf Electricity Interconnection. The GCC Common Market, launched in 2007, was particularly noteworthy for its aim to provide equal economic opportunities for all GCC citizens, he noted.

 

Source: The Peninsula Qatar