The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was established by an agreement concluded on 25 May 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia among Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE in view of their special relations, geographic proximity, similar political systems based on Islamic beliefs, joint destiny and common objectives. The official language is Arabic.
More about GCC
- GCC comprises some of the fastest growing economies in the world, mainly due to an increase in oil and natural gas revenues coupled with a building and investment boom backed by reserves.
- Due to their geographic proximity, similar political systems and common sociocultural stances, the immediate goal was for these countries to protect themselves from threats after the Iran-Iraq War.
- The structure of the GCC consists of the Supreme Council, the Ministerial Council and the Secretariat General. The Secretariat is located in the city of Riyadh.
- The Supreme Council (the highest authority of the GCC) comprises the Heads of State of the six member countries.
- The chairmanship of the Supreme Council is held by each member state in turn.
- The Ministerial Council comprises the Foreign Ministers of the six member countries and it draws up policies and makes recommendations.
- The Secretariat General prepares reports, studies, accounts and budgets for the GCC.
- In 1984, the GCC established a standing coalition land force, the Peninsular Shield Force, tasked to defend the six nation states. It is composed of infantry, armor, artillery and combat support elements from each of the states, numbering 40,000 in total.
- GCC Monetary union is ratified by Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. Oman had opted out of it in 2006 and UAE did so in May 2009.
- Riyadh is selected as the location for the monetary council and the future central Bank.
- The GCC promotes economic, security, cultural and social cooperation between the six states and holds a summit every year to discuss cooperation and regional affairs.
Source: MEA website
