GCC And CELAC Leaders Reaffirm Commitment To Strengthening Strategic Partnership Amid Global Challenges

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) are committed to enhancing their partnership. This was highlighted by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi during a joint meeting with Colombia's Foreign Minister Rosa Yolanda Villavicencio, the current CELAC president. The meeting took place alongside the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Albudaiwi emphasized the economic strength of GCC nations, noting their combined GDP of approximately $1.8 trillion. He pointed out that this economic power, along with significant investment capabilities and oil reserves, forms a strong foundation for collaboration with CELAC. The potential for mutual growth is vast, given CELAC's population of around 660 million and a GDP nearing $7.8 trillion.

Trade between the GCC and CELAC is projected to reach $20–28 billion in 2024. However, the trade balance has recently favored CELAC due to increased imports from Brazil and Mexico, particularly in food supplies, while GCC exports have declined.

Albudaiwi expressed concern over global issues such as energy security, maritime safety, terrorism, and organized crime. He stressed that these challenges require collaborative efforts between both regions. Additionally, he voiced deep concern about ongoing Israeli actions in Gaza and called for urgent international intervention.

The secretary-general reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for Qatar amidst recent attacks. He condemned any threats to the security of member states or regional stability. Albudaiwi also reiterated support for a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.

Shared Goals in Development

Both regions share common goals in areas like energy, digitization, security, and sustainable development. Albudaiwi welcomed CELAC's proposed cooperation priorities which align with the GCC's strategies in renewable energy, green hydrogen, digital transformation, and smart infrastructure.

He noted that last year's meeting laid a solid foundation for strategic relations between the two groups. Despite facing significant global challenges since then, there remains a strong determination to build on this success.

The GCC is ready to collaborate with CELAC on turning proposals into actionable programs and initiatives that foster inclusive growth and global stability. Albudaiwi concluded by expressing optimism about future cooperation between these regions.

With inputs from SPA