(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Gulf Studies Centre (GSC) in the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) at Qatar University (QU) hosted a symposium on "The Gulf Cooperation Council States: Role and Accomplishments" yesterday.
Addressing the symposium Minister of Foreign Affairs
H E Dr Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah said: "This significant symposium which is part of the GCC Days is hosted for the first time in the GCC region in general, and Qatar in particular. It reflects the GCC's contribution to ensuring the sustainable growth and development of its states in various areas such as: the socio-politic, human development, economic, and commercial fields. It also discusses the GCC's role in solving many issues in the Arab region by shaping policies with the aim to ensure the security and the stability of the countries in the Gulf and Arab regions."
The event, which is held on the sideline of the GCC meeting, is aimed to highlight the goals and achievements of the Gulf states, and to discuss the GCC's role in serving the common interests and security of its states.
It drew around 250 officials and experts, including Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council H E Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani, QU President Professor Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad, CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi, GSC Director Dr Abdullah Baabood, as well as several QU officials, faculty, staff and students across QU colleges.
Students exchanged ideas and views on the GCC's accomplishments, integration process and role in achieving economic development, sustainability and social integrity in its states and the Arab region.
The first session was led by the Center's Director Dr Abdullah Baabood, and a presentation was delivered by Secretary-General on "The Achievements of the GCC and the Benefits of the Gulf Citizen".
QU Associate Professor of Geography Dr Nedham Alshafai and QU Professor Emeritus of History Dr Mustafa Aqil gave the second session which is focused on "National Stability and Economic Growth in the GCC Countries".
Presenting the third session were QU Assistant Professor of International Affairs Dr Khaled Al-Mezaini, Head of the Emirates Center for Policy Dr Ibtisam Kutobi, Editor-in-Chief of The Peninsula Dr Khalid Al-Jaber, and Chairman of the Political Science Department at Kuwait University Dr Abdullah Al Shayji. They discussed the role of GCC in serving the common interests of the Gulf countries and in enhancing the security and the stability of the region.
Dr Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al Zayani said: "We are delighted to see QU students engaged in this important forum that shows the GCC's core role and achievements in many areas in the region. We also encourage the Gulf Studies Center's students to contribute in enhancing the research portfolio on this topic by producing innovative projects and scientific studies."
Prof Sheikha Abdulla Al Misnad said: "We are pleased to host this timely forum which comes at a time when the Arab and the Gulf regions are facing challenges in their security and stability systems. This event highlights the necessity to work together in order to overcome the challenges from a changing world. It also shows the Gulf Studies Center's core role in serving the wider community and the region, and its contribution to ensuring a sustainable social and economic development in Arab societies. We look forward to the outcomes and recommendations that will emerge from these discussions, and which will help decision and policy makers in shaping future strategies during this period which is witnessing numerous regional and international changes."
Dr Abdullah Baabood said: "This event is a great opportunity to our students to share their ideas and enhance their knowledge on topics related to the GCC. I am pleased that the College of Arts and Sciences has seized on the opportunity to bring together these experts on Gulf issues to share their invaluable academic and research knowledge. This also shows the Gulf Studies Center's commitment to serve students at the university by providing them with various services and opportunities to deepen their knowledge, and strengthen their skills and abilities."
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