Kingdom to benefit from GCC economic plan

AMMAN (JT) – Jordan on Sunday presented its case of accession to the Gulf Cooperation Council at a meeting of GCC foreign ministers in Jeddah.

The ministers issued a recommendation to their countries’ leaders calling for including Jordan and Morocco, another applicant, under a five-year development plan set by the GCC.

In his remarks at the meeting, Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, who headed the Kingdom’s delegation, emphasised the importance of Jordan’s bid to join the GCC, expressing his appreciation of the GCC leaders’ approval to consider it during their latest summit in Saudi Arabia.

In a joint statement issued following yesterday’s meeting, the participants agreed to form two work groups, comprising members of the GCC general secretariat, Jordan and Morocco, to tap areas where cooperation and partnership are deemed feasible.

The outcome of the work groups’ research and studies is to be submitted to the GCC higher council.

Judeh’s participation in yesterday’s meeting was in response to an official invitation from the bloc’s current president, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ben Zayed, to discuss the procedures for the Kingdom to join the GCC.

In May, the six-state bloc agreed to expand their regional grouping to include Jordan and Morocco.

Addressing the GCC foreign ministers, Judeh said: “This important decision of the GCC leaders was met with great appreciation and satisfaction in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.”

Judeh said he was looking forward to intensive and regular work with the foreign ministers of the Gulf countries to come to a joint action plan that specifies administrative and legislative measures which should be taken by both sides before the accession is granted.

At the meeting, Sheikh Abdullah stressed the strategic relations between Jordan and the GCC countries, highlighting commonalities such as territorial contiguity and common challenges.

In statements to the press following the meeting, Judeh said the talks were clear and candid and was about the mutual benefit to both sides.

Earlier in the day, Judeh met with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal and discussed with him Jordanian-Saudi ties and Jordanian-GCC relations in general.

Judeh also met with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Prince Abdul Aziz Ben Abdullah Ben Abdul Aziz and discussed with him a number of issues of common concern.

jordantimes