MAKKAH, March 6 (KUNA) -- Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed that the seventh joint ministerial meeting between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco represents an important step in strengthening "the foundations of the strategic partnership" between both sides The meeting aims to enhance the distinguished historical relations and support the existing frameworks of strategic partnership across various fields, he said in his inaugural speech to the meeting held in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday.
The meeting, chaired by Kuwait Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya - the current President of the GCC Ministerial Council, gathered Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his peers from the other GCC member countries, according to a statement from the GCC Secretariat.
Al-Budaiwi expressed profound gratitude to Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for hosting the joint meeting near the holy Masjid Al-Haram and for facilitating the success of the meeting.
He also extended his sincere thanks and appreciation to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud for his hospitality and warm welcome.
The GCC Secretary-General, recalling the decisions of the GCC Supreme Council's 45th session in December 2024, underscored the importance of the strategic partnership between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco, the implementation of the Joint Action Plan, and the Council's steadfast positions and resolutions supporting Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara.
On behalf of the GCC, he stressed support to Morocco's efforts to maintain its security, stability and territorial integrity. He commended United Nations Security Council Resolution 2756 issued on October 31, 2024, regarding the Moroccan Sahara.
The GCC Secretary-General congratulated the Kingdom of Morocco on being awarded the opportunity to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal, urging Gulf investment companies and the private sector to take advantage of the investment opportunities that will arise from the major projects that Morocco will launch on this occasion. He commended the reforms led by Moroccan King Mohammad VI in political, economic and social domains, which have solidified Morocco's role as a credible and reliable partner and a pillar of stability in the region. Al-Budaiwi highlighted the various royal initiatives launched by the Kingdom of Morocco, primarily the royal initiative aimed at enabling Sahel countries to access the Atlantic, the collaboration among African Atlantic coast nations, as well as the Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline project. He wished Morocco success in candidacy for membership on the United Nations Security Council for the 2028-2029 term.
In addition, the Secretary-General expressed his happiness with the progress made regarding the organization of the Gulf-Moroccan Investment Forum set to take place in 2025, which is being organized by the Federation of Gulf Chambers and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (Confederation Generale Des Entreprises Du Maroc - CGEM), with high-level participation from the private sector in the GCC member states. He hoped that this forum would contribute to advancing commercial and investment relations to broader horizons.
In conclusion, he highlighted the importance of the strategic dialogue and partnership between the GCC and the Kingdom of Morocco, expressing hope for strengthening these relations across various fields. (end) fn.gb