Manama, May 25 (BNA): Bahrain will join the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in celebrating the 42nd anniversary of the founding of this pioneering geopolitical bloc on May 25.
The bloc has established a solid foundation of cooperation that has led to great progress for its members and people since its inception. This has led to optimism and confidence in the ongoing development plans and their ability to shape the future.
More than four decades have passed since the first founding summit in Abu Dhabi in 1981, during which the Gulf Cooperation Council states proved to be a resilient unit despite the many regional and international challenges and crises that occurred.
This is an occasion to recount the extraordinary efforts made by the founding leaders of the GCC, who laid the foundation for more than 40 years of distinguished development.
The leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council invested the geostrategic importance and political and economic influence of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and succeeded in gaining the trust and respect of the international community.
The leaders created a bilateral balanced domestic policy that safeguards the unity and sovereignty of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and a foreign policy that supports international security, peace and stability.
The goals and achievements achieved by the GCC countries since its inception focused on building societies in the member states and their advancement in various disciplines. The directives of the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council directed this path towards the implementation of the objectives stipulated in the Statute of the Council.
In this context, the Kingdom of Bahrain has worked to support joint Gulf action and consolidate integration and cooperation among member states in various fields.
Bahraini foreign policy and diplomacy contributed to unifying the Gulf ranks, positions and decisions, whether through proposing and enacting initiatives or active participation in implementing the recommendations and decisions issued by the main Gulf summits and meetings.
In line with the policy led by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, the Kingdom of Bahrain has shown great keenness on the concerted efforts of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in this field. Achieving prosperity and stability for the peoples of the Gulf.
Bahrain actively participates in activating the GCC agreements aimed at strengthening partnership and integration.
The great levels of progress and modernization came as a result of those joint efforts that led to economic and urban prosperity secured through sustainable development projects and optimal investment in natural resources.
The GCC countries have also invested heavily in educating their citizens and building their capacities, making them the target and engine of this development process.
The forty-second anniversary of the founding of the Gulf bloc comes amid rapid transformations and challenges. Whether it is security, political, economic, environmental or food security. This called for stronger cooperation to face these urgent challenges and to enhance stability and progress in the GCC countries, which was evident in the insistence of the member states to focus on unifying their positions and dealing with international and regional developments through extensive deliberations.
In this context, the Gulf Cooperation Council continues to strengthen cooperation and partnership with most of the major regional and international players to achieve common interests. The success of the approach has been reflected in the advanced rankings of the GCC countries in many development indicators, and how they have become preferred destinations for investment and living.
It is not just the resources that make the GCC an attractive destination, but also its stability and vibrant communities that are increasingly known for embracing the values of coexistence and openness.
The Gulf Cooperation Council has led to multidisciplinary progress in many fields, including the electrical interconnection network of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. economic and financial cooperation; commerce; customs; investment; tourism; logistics services; transportation, logistics and aviation; energy; environment; technology; education; youth, sports, culture, media and the arts; Security, defence, intelligence, cyber security and counter-terrorism.
Among the most prominent current joint economic projects is the GCC railway project, which has witnessed great momentum. The railway project will be a major boost to trade exchange for the GCC countries, improve travel connectivity for citizens and residents, and will contribute to supporting investments and economic integration of the GCC countries. This, in turn, will have a positive impact on land trade routes at the Arab, regional and international levels, and will be reflected in global economic growth.
The railway will extend at a length of 2,117 km from Kuwait in the north and pass through all the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council to reach Oman in the south. The trains will run on diesel and travel at a speed of 220 km/h.