GCC Ministers discuss supply chains, border readiness, and joint coordination amid current situation
Riyadh, Mar. 26 (BNA): Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), said that the Ministers of Transport and Communications of the GCC countries discussed, during their meeting today, the current situation and its impact on supply chains, assessed the readiness of land border crossings, and addressed operational challenges by considering the activation of the Green Lanes Protocol, utilising alternative ports and safe transport routes, as well as seeking to develop joint coordination mechanisms to monitor developments in real time and address any potential bottlenecks.
The Secretary General clarified that this came during the extraordinary meeting of the Committee of the Ministers of Transport and Communications of the GCC countries held via videoconference, chaired by Dr. Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications of the Kingdom of Bahrain and President of the current session, and attended by the Ministers of Transport and Communications of the GCC countries.
Albudaiwi affirmed during his remarks the vital role of the transport and communications sector, noting that it is one of the most important pillars of economic security for the GCC countries and a key driver in enhancing the resilience of the GCC economies and their ability to withstand challenges.
"This sector represents the artery that ensures the continued flow of strategic goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, through various land, air and sea ports, and maintains market stability and the sustainability of supply chains without interruption, even in the most difficult circumstances," he explained.
Elaborating further, he said that the escalating challenges witnessed in the region as a result of the brutal Iranian military escalation targeting the GCC countries are no longer a transient situation, but rather constitute a real test of the GCC ability to protect its achievements and ensure the continuity of its vital sectors with efficiency and stability.
The Secretary General also indicated that the intensive coordination meetings, which have exceeded 35 meetings since the outbreak of the crisis, reflect an advanced level of institutional readiness and a shared awareness of the nature of this phase and its requirements.
He added: "The current stage requires going beyond that by elevating and accelerating the level of field coordination and activating measures immediately, in a manner that ensures a more efficient and flexible collective response. Maintaining the smooth flow of land, maritime and air transport is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity that requires additional proactive steps to enhance the readiness of crossings and minimise any potential impact on trade movement and supply chains."
Furthermore, Albudaiwi affirmed that the GCC countries are capable of overcoming crises and challenges with efficiency and competence, based on the strong ties and effective integration that bring them together across all fields.
He stressed that this has been demonstrated in many decisive positions in addressing various developments, highlighting that this joint approach has contributed to strengthening the GCC ability to contain challenges, maintain its stability, and ensure the continuity of all vital sectors with efficiency and resilience, reflecting the strength and effectiveness of joint GCC action under various circumstances.
In conclusion of his statements, the Secretary General stated that this phase requires clarity of vision and speed in decision-making and implementation, adding that "We are confident that today’s meeting will translate this direction into tangible outcomes that enhance the readiness of the transport sector, reinforce the sustainability of supply chains, and support our shared economic security, while looking forward to practical outcomes that elevate the level of GCC integration and strengthen our ability to effectively navigate this critical phase."
