Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, met with legislative leaders from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) on Wednesday in Manama. The gathering included Qatar’s Shura Council Speaker, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanim, and the Speaker of the Arab Parliament, Mohammed bin Ahmed al-Yamahi, setting the stage for broader regional discussions.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and integration among GCC member states. The leaders explored avenues for developing joint action to better serve the aspirations of the people across the region.
Discussions on Regional Cooperation
The primary agenda for the preliminary meeting involved a review of issues of common interest and strategies to advance the collective goals of the GCC. Participants discussed practical ways to bolster collaboration in various fields, reinforcing the council’s foundational principles of unity and shared progress.
This commitment to collaboration is a cornerstone of regional policy, reflected in various bilateral and multilateral engagements. For instance, dialogues on specific sectors are common, such as recent talks where Qatar, Kuwait discuss media co-operation to align their strategies. The discussions in Manama aimed to build on this spirit of partnership at the highest legislative levels.
Prelude to the 19th Periodic Meeting
This high-level engagement took place ahead of the 19th periodic meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and Ummah Councils of the GCC countries. The preparatory talks allowed leaders to align on key topics before the formal session, ensuring a productive and focused summit.
Such forums are vital for tackling shared challenges and opportunities within the Arab world. They provide a platform for leaders to coordinate on policy and development, much like how the Qatar Chamber hosts ‘High-Level Arab Event on Persons with Disabilities, Entrepreneurship and Innovation’ to address specific social and economic issues.
The gathering in Bahrain underscores the ongoing commitment of GCC legislative bodies to work in concert. By fostering closer ties and a unified vision, these councils play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future and responding effectively to the needs of their citizens.
