Latest news with #JasemAlbudaiwi
Asharq Al-Awsat
5 days ago
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
GCC Sec-Gen: Israeli Approval of Settlement Construction in West Bank Violates Palestinian Sovereignty
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi expressed his strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli occupation forces' approval to build 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, SPA reported. According to a press release issued by the GCC Secretariat General, Secretary-General Albudaiwi stressed that this approval is a blatant violation and a flagrant challenge to the principles of international law and international legitimacy. He added that these provocative practices represent a dangerous escalation that threatens security and stability in the region and undermines international efforts aimed at resuming the peace process. Albudaiwi affirmed the GCC's complete rejection of any attempts to impose a new reality on the sovereignty of the brotherly Palestinian people over all their occupied territories. He reiterated the commitment of the GCC countries to support the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, foremost of which is the establishment of their independent state on the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
The National
26-05-2025
- Business
- The National
GCC and Malaysia start free trade agreement negotiations
The Gulf Co-operation Council and Malaysia have started negotiations for a free trade agreement as the regions seek to boost bilateral investment. A joint statement signalling the start of negotiations was signed on the sidelines of the summit between Gulf states and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (Asean) on Monday in Kuala Lumpur, the GCC said in a statement. Talks will cover a range of sectors of mutual interest and the potential agreement is set to cover a number of economic aspects, the statement added. The move represents a consolidation of the partnership between the two sides, said Jasem Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC. Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing economies in Asean. Last year, total trade between Malaysia and the Gulf reached $22.3 billion, with key exports including electronic products, jewellery, petroleum products, palm oil and palm oil-based products, and processed food, according to Malaysia's Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry. "The FTA aims to expand this further by reducing tariff and non-tariff barriers, promoting business mobility, and enhancing regulatory co-operation," the ministry said in a separate statement on Monday. The FTA would represent "a strategic platform to recalibrate and enhance our bilateral relationship", said Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. 'Malaysia considers the Gulf Co-operation Council to be one of its most valued trade partners in West Asia." Several major global economies are also pursuing trade deals with the Gulf region. The UK is in talks with the GCC over an FTA, with indications that it could be signed soon. This month, after the UK secured a deal with Europe, as well as announcing an agreement with the US to cut tariffs, Chancellor Rachel Reeves told the BBC that the Gulf would be the 'next deal' as the government looks to forge post-Brexit trade ties. Meanwhile, an FTA between the Gulf economies and Turkey is expected to create a $2.4 trillion trade opportunity.
Asharq Al-Awsat
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Arab Parliament Speaker Congratulates Gulf Leaders on GCC 44th Anniversary
Speaker of the Arab Parliament Mohammed Al Yammahi extended his congratulations to the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the council's establishment, celebrated annually on May 25. He emphasized that the GCC has, over the years, firmly established itself as a prominent Gulf Arab entity, achieving notable progress in security, economy, development, education, health, and other sectors, SPA reported. Al Yammahi praised the leaders of the GCC member states for their unwavering support and continued efforts to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of regional stability and prosperity. He also commended the GCC's constructive role in Arab affairs—particularly in supporting the Palestinian cause—and highlighted the dedication of GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi in advancing joint Gulf initiatives aligned with the leaders' vision and the aspirations of Gulf citizens. He affirmed the Arab Parliament's commitment to strengthening cooperation with the GCC at all levels, with the goal of achieving deeper integration and unified efforts that fulfill the aspirations of the council's peoples and the broader Arab community for security, stability, and prosperity.
Zawya
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Ways of advancing GCC security co-ordination reviewed
Bahrain - Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa yesterday met GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. Shaikh Rashid commended the active role of the GCC General Secretariat in advancing Gulf co-operation in security and following up on the implementation of resolutions adopted by the bloc's Interior Ministers. The meeting reviewed several issues related to enhancing security co-ordination, as well as topics aimed at further developing joint action. Copyright 2022 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
GCC Expresses Grave Concern Over Instability in South Asia
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi expressed on Saturday the deep concern of member states over the deteriorating security situation in South Asia, calling on all parties to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and resume urgent negotiations between Pakistan and India. Albudaiwi also strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack targeting tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of numerous innocent civilians. He underscored the critical importance of resolving disputes through peaceful means in line with international law and the UN Charter, to safeguard security, peace, and stability in the region. He reiterated the GCC's firm stance against terrorism in all its forms. Moreover, Albudaiwi renewed the GCC member states' call for the international community to intensify its efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Jammu and Kashmir issue based on the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
