The 26th Meeting of the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Transport of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) was recently held in Doha, Qatar. Chaired by Hassan Al Hail, Advisor to the Minister of Transport, the meeting was attended by undersecretaries of the ministries of transport from GCC countries and the Assistant Secretary for Economic and Development Affairs of the Secretariat General of the GCC H E Khalid Ali Salim Al Sunaidi. The main topics of discussion included the GCC Railways Authority and the GCC Railway Project, as well as the General Agreement for Connecting the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to the Railway Project. Additionally, the meeting focused on the land transportation strategy for the GCC States and the executive regulations of the GCC uniform system for universal land transportation.
In regards to maritime and harbours, the meeting touched on the controls of conventional merchant vessels’ access to the waters and harbors of the GCC States, as well as the quays accommodating such vessels. Furthermore, discussions were held on the uniform conditions and controls for granting driving licenses to offshore units that are not subject to international maritime conventions. Various other topics related to cooperation and coordination in transportation among GCC countries were also addressed during the meeting. Recommendations were made to be presented to the GCC Transport Ministers’ Committee for approval during their 26th meeting scheduled for November 7.
The importance of the GCC Railways Authority and the GCC Railway Project was highlighted during the meeting, as these initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing transportation infrastructure and connectivity among Gulf countries. The General Agreement for Connecting the States of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to the Railway Project aims to further strengthen regional cooperation and integration in the transportation sector. By discussing work progress on the land transportation strategy for GCC States and the executive regulations for universal land transportation, the meeting emphasized the need for unified standards and guidelines to promote seamless connectivity and efficient transportation services within the region.
In relation to maritime and harbours, the meeting focused on enhancing regulations to facilitate the access of conventional merchant vessels to the waters and harbours of GCC States. By discussing controls for granting driving licenses to offshore units not covered by international maritime conventions, the meeting aimed to ensure safety and compliance in offshore transportation activities. The uniform conditions and controls discussed during the meeting are essential for promoting harmonized practices and regulations among GCC countries in the maritime sector.
Overall, the 26th Meeting of the Undersecretaries of the Ministries of Transport of the GCC highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and coordination in enhancing transportation infrastructure and services. By addressing key topics related to railways, land transportation, maritime regulations, and licensing standards, the meeting aimed to promote greater efficiency and connectivity in the transportation sector among Gulf countries. The recommendations made during the meeting will be presented to the GCC Transport Ministers’ Committee for approval, reflecting a commitment to ongoing collaboration and development in the transportation industry.
