(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The first meeting of the 18th session of the GCC Consultative Authority at Doha Sheraton yesterday set up special committees to study key issues concerning the region, including the future of oil and gas as a source of wealth.
Addressing the opening session of the meeting, the Foreign Minister H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah called for strengthening GCC cooperation when the region is going through "exceptional circumstances".
The authority was tasked with studying three topics: Enhancing cooperation between GCC states, boosting income for GCC citizens and plotting out the future of oil and gas as a source of wealth for the GCC countries.
It was also asked to prepare a plan for maintaining the use of energy resources in a strategic and developmental manner.
The panels' recommendations will be tabled in the next meeting of the authority in Muscat.
Dr Al Attiyah said internal challenges and external crises are casting their dim shadows on the world and facing these challenges and reducing the impact of crises require effective GCC cooperation and integration.
He said such cooperation will fortify GCC states, strengthen their economic, social, political and security fabric, protect their gains and fulfil the aspirations of their peoples by avoiding any shocks or crises that will affect the GCC march and the well-being of their citizens.
"We in the ministerial council are confident that your Authority represents one of the most important joint GGC action and there is no doubt that your assignment by leaders of the GCC Supreme Council to study topics such as the ones that have been approved confirms that the Supreme Council is supporting your Authority's vision," said the Foreign Minister.
GCC Secretary-General Dr Abdullatif bin Rahsid Al Zayani hailed the positive role played by the authority through studies and visions about all issues it had been assigned to study.
Mubarak bin Ali Al Khater was chosen as chairman of the current session with Sheikh Hamad bin Saud Al Sayari as deputy chairman.
Al Khater said the meeting was fruitful and GCC leaders were keen to support the Consultative Authority.
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