GCC states seek one bloc: UAE

All member countries of the Cooperation Council of Arab States of the Gulf seek to develop our joint economic system to create one economic bloc and look forward to make economic achievements by next year, according to UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

"We want our council to unify our approach to a number of issues which threaten our world, have effects that transcend the borders of any single nation and therefore require joint efforts, exchange of views and sound planning," Sheikh Abdullah added at the opening of the 117th ministerial meeting held ahead of the 31st GCC Summit scheduled in Abu Dhabi on December 6-7.

Foreign ministers of other member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are taking part in the meeting.

"The region is experiencing sensitive and complicated political developments and therefore we have to immunise our selves and the Gulf through consultation, communication and coordination on our positions taking into consideration regional and international circumstances and the directives by the wise leaderships of our countries," he remarked.

On the political agenda of the GCC ministerial meetings are the Palestinian issue, the Iranian occupation of the UAE's three islands, the Tunbs and Abu Musa, and the UAE's calls to Iran for peaceful settlement of island's issue through direct negotiations or the International Court of Justice, developments in Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan and Somalia.

The meeting will also discuss issues such as Bahrain's proposal for a comprehensive long-term GCC development strategy for GCC (2010-2025), recommendations on free trade negotiations with other countries and economic blocs, customs union, unified urban strategy, a disasters center, media strategy, cooperation with Yemen as well as reports and recommendations submitted by ministerial committees.

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