Gulf Cooperation Council

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Abdullah Yaccoub Bishara, Kuwait UN Ambassador United Nations, New York (cropped)

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Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah

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Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zaani & Cornel Feruta (01117855) (48747904168) (cropped)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), officially known as the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, is a regional intergovernmental political and economic union consisting of all Arab states of the Persian Gulf, with the exception of Iraq. The member states are Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The GCC was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 25 May 1981. The purpose of the GCC is to achieve unity among its members based on their common objectives and their similar political and cultural identities, which are rooted in Arab culture and Islamic beliefs.

History

The formation of the GCC was motivated by the region's desire to coordinate their policies in order to safeguard their interests, given the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the Iran-Iraq War and the subsequent Gulf Wars. The GCC has since served as a platform for the coordination of economic, social, and cultural policies among member states.

Objectives

The main objectives of the GCC include the formulation of similar regulations in various fields such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, and administration. The council aims to foster scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water, and animal resources. It also seeks to establish scientific research centers and to undertake joint ventures. The GCC promotes cooperation in the private sector, strengthens ties between their peoples, and formulates similar regulations in various fields.

Economic Integration

One of the significant achievements of the GCC is the creation of a Customs Union in 2003 and the Common Market in 2008. These initiatives have facilitated trade and movement of goods, services, and people across member states. The GCC is also working towards implementing a monetary union with a single currency, although this has faced several delays.

Political Affairs

In political affairs, the GCC has aimed to present a unified front in regional conflicts and negotiations. It has played roles in mediating disputes within the Middle East and has been involved in the security of the Persian Gulf, including efforts to contain Iran and combat terrorism.

Challenges

The GCC has faced challenges in achieving full economic and political integration among its members. Disputes among member states, such as the Qatar diplomatic crisis in 2017, have tested the unity of the council. Additionally, varying levels of economic development and political systems among the member states have posed challenges to deeper integration.

Future Prospects

The future of the GCC involves further economic integration, including the potential establishment of a single currency and greater political coordination. However, the success of these endeavors will depend on overcoming the internal disputes and differences among member states.

See Also

• Economy of the Middle East
• Politics of the Middle East
• Arab League

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