Muscat : As the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) marks its 44th anniversary, the Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed its steadfast support for the Council’s mission of unity, regional cooperation, and shared prosperity among its six member states.
Established in 1981, the GCC has evolved into a cornerstone of economic, political, and social collaboration in the Gulf region, fostering a collective vision of development, stability, and integration. The Council’s creation marked a historic turning point in joint Arab action and laid the foundation for a unified regional cooperation framework.
Oman’s dedication to the Council’s principles has remained consistent over the decades. In his first royal address on January 11, 2020, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik underscored this commitment, stating:
“We will continue, along with our brothers, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, to contribute to advancing the path of cooperation between our countries to achieve the aspirations of our peoples and to advance the achievements of the Cooperation Council.”
Oman continues to actively contribute to shaping GCC policies and initiatives, supporting mechanisms for economic integration, coordinating unified political positions, and fostering cultural and social collaboration. This ongoing commitment reflects Oman’s belief that a cohesive GCC is essential for navigating the region through fast-evolving global challenges.
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed bin Hashel Al Maskari, Head of the GCC and Regional Neighbourhood Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the Council has made significant strides in promoting integration, supported by deep-rooted historical ties and shared interests.
He highlighted key achievements in both political and economic domains, including the establishment of the Gulf customs union, the common Gulf market, regional transportation projects, and the shared electricity grid. He also emphasized the Council’s success in presenting a unified front in international forums and promoting regional peace and stability.
While acknowledging challenges such as differing political perspectives and economic pressures, His Excellency stressed that the GCC’s dialogue-based approach has enabled it to overcome many obstacles with prudence and unity.
Commenting on Oman’s role, he stated:
“The Sultanate of Oman has always adopted a foreign policy rooted in dialogue and balance and has worked sincerely to bridge differences and reinforce Gulf unity.”
Oman continues to champion initiatives that support consensus-driven solutions and the advancement of joint Gulf efforts. His Excellency also outlined the importance of modernizing the Council’s operational frameworks and enhancing cooperation on strategic issues such as cybersecurity, climate change, and sustainable development.
Looking ahead, he noted that the GCC is placing increasing emphasis on emerging sectors including the digital economy, food security, and renewable energy. These areas, he said, are now top priorities for Gulf coordination and are expected to witness significant progress through unified strategies and innovative initiatives.
Reaffirming Oman’s vision, His Excellency concluded:
“We firmly believe that Gulf unity and integration remain the most vital foundations for achieving security, stability, and long-term development across the region.”
