The Minister of Transport HE Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti recently chaired the 26th Meeting of the Committee of the Ministers of Transport of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) in Qatar. In his opening speech, Al Sulaiti emphasized the importance of cooperation among GCC countries to enhance development processes and societies. He noted that recent years have seen positive outcomes in various sectors, with a balanced approach for comprehensive development contributing to economic and social integration within the GCC countries.
The transportation industry has garnered significant attention from GCC country leaders, leading to progress and advancement. Projects like the GCC Railways Project have been launched to connect countries, streamline trade movement, and enhance economic roles. These initiatives are crucial in supporting trade exchange with Asia and Europe, as well as providing safe and efficient passenger and cargo transportation services. Al Sulaiti highlighted that the GCC countries are actively working towards the completion of the GCC Railways Project by 2030 to achieve these objectives.
With the GCC leaders’ focus on investing in shared projects, transportation infrastructure in the region has seen major advancements. GCC ports have improved in terms of capacity, efficiency, and technology integration, earning high rankings on the World Bank’s ports performance indicators. The commitment to eco-friendly transportation infrastructure supported by the latest technology systems has allowed GCC countries to keep pace with emerging and smart technologies while actively working towards reducing carbon emissions to achieve carbon neutrality, garnering international recognition for their achievements in this regard.
During the meeting, the GCC ministers of transport discussed various topics aimed at enhancing cooperation in transportation among GCC countries. Key decisions were made regarding 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, executive regulations of the GCC uniform system for universal land transportation, controls for merchant vessels’ access to GCC States’ waters and harbors, and granting driving licenses to offshore units not subject to international maritime conventions. These discussions and decisions are crucial in further advancing transportation cooperation among GCC countries.
Overall, the 26th Meeting of the Committee of the Ministers of Transport highlighted the ongoing commitment of GCC countries to enhance transportation cooperation and infrastructure development in the region. Through shared projects like the GCC Railways Project and advancements in ports and transportation technology, GCC countries are working towards strengthening economic and social integration, streamlining trade movement, and achieving carbon neutrality. These initiatives are crucial in supporting economic growth, trade exchange, and safe transportation services across the GCC region.
