Latest news with #GCC-US
Daily Tribune
20-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
HM King's visit to UK bolsters bilateral ties
The Cabinet reaffirmed the significance of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa's visit to the United Kingdom to attend the Royal Windsor Horse Show, as well as the horse races sponsored by the Kingdom of Bahrain. It highlighted the importance of HM the King's meeting with His Majesty King Charles III of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Head of the Commonwealth. Weekly Cabinet Chaired by His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, the Deputy Prime Minister, yesterday at Gudaibiya Palace, the weekly Cabinet also noted the attendance of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, at the Royal Windsor Horse Show alongside HM King Charles III. The Cabinet praised the deep-rooted and enduring ties between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the UK. It highlighted the efforts of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, for his leadership in advancing equestrian sports in Bahrain, a sport cherished across the Kingdom. The Cabinet opened the meeting by commending HM King Hamad's address at the Gulf Cooperation Council–United States (GCC-US) Summit held in Riyadh, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It praised Saudi Arabia for successfully hosting the Summit, led by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. In this regard, the Cabinet emphasised Saudi Arabia's prominent role in promoting investment, advancing peaceful initiatives and fostering regional stability. The Cabinet underscored the depth of the GCC-US strategic partnership, led by President Donald Trump.
Qatar Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Minister briefs Shura on Qatar's transport strategy
QNA Doha The Shura Council held its regular weekly meeting chaired by Speaker HE Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim on Monday. The sitting began with the legislature hailing the Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani's participation in the GCC-US summit held in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, on Wednesday, and the meeting that took place between HH the Amir and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The Council affirmed that this participation and meeting embody Qatar's commitment to consolidating joint Gulf action, enhancing bilateral cooperation with Saudi, and strengthening the strategic partnership with the US, thus contributing to the security and stability of the region. The legislative body also welcomed the state visit of President of the United States of America Donald Trump to Doha, noting its importance in strengthening bilateral relations. The Council highlighted the role of the visit in developing cooperation in the fields of defence, economy, and energy, as well as in joint coordination on regional and international issues. The Council lauded HH the Amir's participation in the Arab Summit held in Baghdad, considering it a reflection of Qatar's unwavering commitment to supporting Palestinian rights and strengthening joint Arab action in confronting regional challenges. The Council heard a presentation by Minister of Transport HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani on the key themes of the Ministry of Transport's 2025-2030 general strategy and its efforts to develop a sustainable, smart, and safe land, sea, and air transport system, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. The Shura speaker emphasised the vital role played by the Ministry of Transport in regulating and developing various transport sectors. He praised the ministry's novel strategy, considering it a fundamental pillar in promoting environmental sustainability, improving quality of life, and achieving integration between various modes of transport, in line with the country's aspirations to build a diversified and advanced economy. For his part, the transport minister presented the ministry's 2025-2030 strategy during the session, explaining that it focuses on promoting economic growth and leveraging the country's advanced infrastructure to provide the best transport services to citizens and residents. He also noted that the strategy seeks to develop national and local skills and expertise with the aim of sustaining the development of transport networks and ensuring their ability to continue growth, meeting urban development, and harnessing technology and innovation to increase efficiency and safety in accordance with the best applicable standards. He pointed out that the ministry's strategy includes developing land, maritime, and air transport, as well as supporting services. He emphasised the ministry's commitment to advancing these vital sectors and implementing initiatives and projects stemming from the ministry's vision for an integrated, safe, flexible, and sustainable transportation system. It also aims to lead the development of the transportation sector toward high logistical efficiency that supports the pillars of the Qatar National Vision, particularly in the areas of economic growth, enhancing customer access to services, sustainability, and increasing network capacity, in addition to developing national competencies working in the sector. The minister spoke about the ministry's efforts to keep pace with technological developments and utilize them in the land transport sector as part of efforts to achieve digital transformation. He explained that the ministry is working to modernise the technological infrastructure, adopt smart transportation systems, and utilize artificial intelligence applications to develop the transportation sector. He pointed out that the goal is to achieve higher operational efficiency and enhance economic and environmental aspects by setting precise standards and requirements for monitoring the operational performance of transportation networks. This approach aims to improve system efficiency, provide better services, and reduce operating costs. Regarding the maritime transport sector, he indicated that the ministry is responsible for regulating maritime navigation affairs, developing legislation related to ship safety, and registering seafarers. He also highlighted the ministry's efforts to modernise port infrastructure and expand operational capabilities, enhancing Qatar's role as a regional logistics and trade hub. The transport minister highlighted the development plans for Hamad International Airport, noting the recent expansion of Concourses D and E. He also addressed efforts to expand international partnerships in the aviation sector and improve the quality of services provided to passengers, strengthening Qatar's position as a global hub for air transport. He highlighted the ministry's efforts to monitor transportation companies and operators to ensure their compliance with technical and environmental standards and specifications, emphasising the ministry's commitment to fostering a fair competitive environment and providing safe, efficient, and reliable transportation services. The presentation also addressed the ministry's contribution to supporting environmental sustainability by adopting green policies in the transportation sector, encouraging the transition to electric buses, and expanding their dedicated infrastructure, in line with the state's commitments to reducing carbon emissions. During their remarks, members of the Council praised the efforts of the Ministry of Transport in developing the transportation sector. They emphasised the importance of accelerating project implementation and working to address the challenges facing public transportation, especially in external areas, as well as improving connectivity between different modes of transport. The members also raised several observations related to the need to strengthen oversight of private transportation companies, regulate prices, and ensure quality of service. They also highlighted the need to develop inland water transport services and improve ship registration and seafarer licensing mechanisms. The Council members stressed the importance of developing all transportation services in an integrated digital manner, which facilitates procedures, saves time for investors and companies, and enhances the efficiency of government services.
Daily Tribune
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Cabinet Commends GCC-US Summit and Celebrates Diplomatic Achievements in Weekly Meeting
His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister, chaired the weekly Cabinet session today at Gudaibiya Palace, where a number of regional developments, diplomatic engagements, and national matters were discussed and commended. At the outset of the meeting, the Cabinet lauded the address of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the GCC-US Summit held recently in Riyadh, attended by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Cabinet also praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the successful hosting of the summit under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and supported by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring Saudi Arabia's significant role in promoting investment, peace, and regional stability. Highlighting the strategic importance of the GCC-US partnership, the Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the summit as presented in a report by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The partnership was commended for advancing diplomatic cooperation and regional development. The Cabinet also recognized His Majesty King Hamad's recent visit to the United Kingdom, where he attended the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the horse races sponsored by Bahrain. The importance of His Majesty's meeting with King Charles III, Head of the Commonwealth, was emphasized, along with the presence of HRH Prince Salman at the prestigious equestrian event, reflecting the enduring Bahrain-UK bilateral ties. In a tribute to the nation's passion for equestrian sports, the Cabinet praised His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his leadership in promoting endurance sports, further solidifying Bahrain's status in the international equestrian community. Marking the 44th anniversary of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Cabinet extended heartfelt congratulations to HM the King and fellow GCC leaders, celebrating the Council's accomplishments and its role in strengthening Gulf unity over the decades. The Cabinet also extended congratulations to President Ahmed Al Sharaa of Syria, following the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to lift economic sanctions on Syria, attributing the move to diplomatic efforts led by HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Appreciation was expressed for the 'Towards Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Development' forum organized by the Shura Council, highlighting strong collaboration between Bahrain's Executive and Legislative Authorities, in line with the national development goals championed by HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The Cabinet also reviewed and approved key memorandums, including: A memorandum by the Minister of Interior reporting that Bahrain's population reached 1,594,654 by the end of 2024. A memorandum by the Ministerial Committee for Legal and Legislative Affairs on government responses to proposals and draft laws from the Council of Representatives. A memorandum by the Minister of Cabinet Affairs, approving the Education and Training Quality Authority's reports. A memorandum by the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, reviewing court performance and enforcement statistics from 2023–2024. In addition, the Cabinet noted several ministerial reports on Bahrain's participation in regional and international events, including: The 34th Arab Summit and 5th Economic and Social Development Summit Official visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan to Bahrain The 28th GCC Ministers of Municipal Affairs meeting Official visit of the Minister of Justice to France The 28th GCC Ministers of Information meeting and the 20th Arab Media Forum The meeting concluded with affirmations of Bahrain's commitment to diplomatic engagement, sustainable development, and international cooperation.
Al Etihad
18-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
A new era in partnership between the UAE and the US
18 May 2025 22:26 By Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali*In a powerful signal of deepening ties, US President Donald Trump chose Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE as the destinations for his first official overseas tour from May 13 to 16. The choice reflected what he described as the "strategic and economic importance" of these nations to the United States, a recognition of their growing global role and leadership in achieving stability regionally and globally. This is increasingly referred to as the "Gulf Moment" in international GCC tour covered a wide array of key political, economic, and strategic issues for both sides. These included economic cooperation, energy policy, and artificial intelligence, as well as the US-Iran nuclear negotiations, defence deals, security guarantees, and broader regional and global concerns, chief among them the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. These topics were front and centre during the fifth GCC-US Summit, held in Riyadh on May 14, providing strong momentum for a renewed and strengthened strategic of the most notable outcomes of the visit was the advancement of GCC-US economic relations, with trade volume reaching $120 billion in 2024. During the visit, total GCC investment commitments, economic agreements, and deals between the US and the three countries amounted to $3.2 trillion, with potential for further growth. These investments cover sectors including defence, energy, and artificial agreements were signed between the US and the three GCC states, with particularly significant investments in artificial intelligence. The UAE-US partnership stood out in this regard, highlighting the UAE's regional and global leadership in AI. During Trump's visit to the UAE, the two sides announced the establishment of the largest AI data centre campus outside the United States, with a capacity of 5 gigawatts, located in Abu Dhabi. They also launched a new bilateral AI Acceleration Partnership. This project, which was jointly inaugurated by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, (may God protect him), and Trump, represents a major strategic win for the UAE, which aspires to become a global player in AI. It also reflects the Trump administration's deep confidence in the UAE's capabilities and reliability as Washington's most trusted ally in the Gulf visit also reaffirmed the US commitment to the region's security, particularly through major advanced defence deals with the three GCC countries. These agreements helped dispel doubts that had arisen under previous US administrations and restored the Gulf's central place in Washington's global strategic priorities. Most notably, Trump's highly anticipated announcement in Saudi Arabia, his pledge to lift sanctions on Syria and meet with the country's president in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh, sent a clear political message: the GCC states now have the power to reshape regional strategic trajectories. By leading efforts to reintegrate a "new Syria" into regional and global systems, these countries are positioning themselves as pivotal actors in Middle Eastern visit to the Gulf marks the beginning of a new chapter of a comprehensive partnership and strategic alliance between the United States and the GCC countries. This alliance not only serves the mutual interests of both sides but also contributes to the broader security and stability of the entire Middle East. *The writer is the CEO of TRENDS Research & Advisory
Qatar Tribune
15-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
GCC-US partnership on solid ground: Al Budaiwi
QNA Riyadh The GCC-US partnership stands on solid ground and is manifested across areas of trade, investment, education, energy, and defence, said GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi. Addressing the GCC-US Summit in Riyadh on Wednesday, Al Budaiwi added that ten working groups are overseeing this partnership. The GCC states continue to lead in traditional energy markets and are moving forward with pioneering partnerships with the US in clean energy and environmental innovation, he added. Al Budaiwi elaborated that such relations are strengthened by the presence of tens of thousands of GCC students in American universities and the spread of American academic branches in the region, in addition to deep-rooted defence relations embodied by qualitative deals and shared bases, making this partnership a unique model of multidimensional strategic integration. The Secretary General reiterated the GCC states' steadfast position in supporting the Palestinian people and supporting them at all levels.
