Qatar Hosts GCC Transport Ministers to Discuss Regional Integration.

Doha: Chaired by the State of Qatar, the 26th Meeting of the Committee of the Ministers of Transport of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) commenced on Thursday. HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti led the meeting, which included participation from the GCC Ministers of Transport and the presence of HE Secretary General of the GCC Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi. According to Qatar News Agency, in his opening remarks, HE Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts by the transport ministers to advance the development of the GCC countries and their societies. He highlighted that the recent years have witnessed a substantial shift in joint endeavors across various sectors, leading to numerous positive outcomes and successes. This shift is attributed to a balanced approach to comprehensive development aimed at enhancing economic and social integration among the GCC nations. HE Al Sulaiti further noted the critical attention given to the tran sportation sector by the leaders of the GCC countries. This focus has driven progress in the sector, which is vital for other areas of cooperation that rely on it to achieve their development plans. A key initiative includes connecting GCC countries with a network of highways to diversify travel and transportation options. The efforts are directed towards launching several projects, notably the GCC Railways Project, which aims to link the GCC countries. This project is expected to have a significant impact on facilitating GCC trade and connecting logistic, economic, and industrial zones to main ports, thereby enhancing economic roles and supporting trade with Asia and Europe. The project is advancing with a target completion date in 2030. HE Al Sulaiti also remarked on the ongoing development of GCC ports, which are improving in capacity and efficiency, now ranking high on World Banks ports performance indicators. The GCC leaders' vision has resulted in advanced and eco-friendly transportation infrastructure , supported by cutting-edge technology systems. These systems are integral in aligning with emerging smart technologies and contribute to initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality. The achievements of GCC countries in this domain receive international recognition. The GCC Ministers of Transport reviewed several topics to further bolster cooperation in transportation. They made decisions regarding updates on the GCC Railways Authority and Railways Project, including the General Agreement for Connecting the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to the Railway Project, the executive regulations for the GCC uniform system for universal land transportation, guidelines for conventional merchant vessels' access to GCC waters and harbors, and the uniform conditions for granting driving licenses to offshore units not covered by international maritime conventions, among other important issues.