Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi affirmed the GCC states’ categorical rejection of any attempts to impose transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the leaders of the member states had underscored the need to guarantee freedom and security of navigation.
In a statement marking the 19th consultative meeting of GCC leaders in Jeddah on Tuesday, Al-Budaiwi added that the GCC states reserve their right to defend themselves, individually and collectively, in accordance with Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, while emphasizing Gulf unity.
Al-Budaiwi also pointed to the leaders’ directives on the need to accelerate the implementation of joint Gulf projects, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors, the Gulf railway project, and electrical interconnection, in addition to studying joint projects for oil and gas transport, water interconnection, and strengthening strategic reserves, as well as intensifying military cooperation and expediting the completion of the ballistic missile early warning system.
