Gulf Cooperation Council

Gulf Cooperation Council Latest News

Recently, the Gulf Cooperation Council has approved a landmark one-stop travel system designed to streamline movement across member states. 

About Gulf Cooperation Council

• It is a regional political and economic alliance established in 1981.
• Member countries: It comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
• Objective: To foster economic, security, cultural, and social cooperation among its members.
• Background: It was formed in response to escalating regional tensions, particularly the Iranian Revolution (1979) and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988).
• Headquarters: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Organizational Structure of the Gulf Cooperation Council

• Supreme council
  • It is the highest authority of the GCC, composed of the heads of the member states.
  • Its presidency rotates alphabetically according to the names of the countries.
  • It convenes in a regular session annually.
• Ministerial council
  • It is composed of foreign ministers or their representatives from member states.
  • It proposes policies and implements decisions of the Supreme Council.
• Secretariat general: Its responsibilities include preparing studies to enhance cooperation, coordination, and integration in joint Gulf projects and initiatives.

What is a One-stop Travel System?

• It is part of the GCC’s ambitious push to eliminate redundant travel procedures and foster stronger cooperation between member states. 
• It will allow Gulf citizens to complete all travel procedures including immigration, customs and security checks at a single checkpoint.

 Source: News On Air