UAE garners praise for EXPO 2020 Dubai, COP 28 at successful GCC Summit

The Supreme Council of the GCC lauded efforts made by the UAE to tackle climate change and to offer support to global efforts by hosting the COP28 in Abu Dhabi in 2023.

It also called EXPO 2020 Dubai a “success for all GCC countries” as it congratulated the UAE for successfully hosting the mega event.

These words of praise came during the 42nd Gulf Cooperation Council Summit, which was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on behalf of the UAE.

The meeting was held on December 14, and the Dubai Ruler was received at the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. He was welcomed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia.

During his opening address at the Summit, Mohammed bin Salman said the summit comes when the region is facing “many challenges that require coordinated efforts to enhance the security and stability of GCC nations.”

He also emphasised the need to strike the right balance necessary to achieve security and stability in global energy markets.

Climate change was a vital part of the agenda, with the leaders being called to back Saudi Arabia’s circular carbon economy strategy launched during its presidency of the G20.

Digital integration and advancement were also discussed, with enhancements explored in cyber and information security. This includes supporting the role of youth in the private sector and small and medium enterprises.

Safety and Security

Leaders from the GCC stressed the need for an effective and common foreign policy to reduce regional and international conflict.

As for safety, member states including the UAE were called to commit to collective action under the Joint Defense Agreement. It comes in light of common challenges and threats faced by a few member states.

The GCC member states are also working towards integrating economic, defence and security policies.

The Supreme Council assigned organisations, councils, ministerial committees, and the GCC General Secretariat, to double efforts to accelerate the establishment of the customs union and the various tracks of the GCC Common Market, leading up to full economic unity of the GCC by 2025.

The Council also approved the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority, commended the opening of the GCC unified military command in Riyadh and acknowledged the preparation for the military exercise ‘Arab Gulf Security 3’, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia in January 2022.

The next GCC council meeting will take place under Oman’s presidency.