The Sultanate of Oman hosts “next Wednesday” on 21st of September 2022, the 16th Periodic Meeting of Their Excellencies, Chairmen of the Shura Councils, Representatives, National and Nation Councils in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf. The meeting will be chaired by HE Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al-Mawaali, Chairman of Shura Council of the Sultanate of Oman, with the participation of the Chairmen of their Excellencies the GCC Legislative Councils.

In his statement, HE Sheikh Ahmed bin Muhammad Al-Nadabi, Secretary-General of the Shura Council, expressed his great thanks and gratitude to HM Sultan Haitham bin Tarik - may God preserve and protect him - for his generous approval to host the work of the meeting on the of the Sultanate of Oman, stressing his pleasure that this comes in the context of His Majesty - may God support him - was keen to support the process of joint Gulf action in a way that enhances brotherly relations between the countries of the GCC, and meets the aspirations of their citizens as well as serves their aspirations in various fields.

The Secretary-General of the Shura Council stressed that the Sultanate of Oman was keen, through its relentless pursuit, to strengthen Gulf bonds, in a way that deepens the feeling of cooperation, brotherhood and belonging, and consolidates the belief of the Gulf citizen that it is an integral part within a single entity that aims at unity between these countries. He added that this could be achieved only by working hard at the various political, economic, security and legislative levels in order to enhance the pace of rapprochement and social cohesion among the citizens of the GCC countries.

Al-Nadabi pointed out that the Periodic Meetings of the Gulf legislative councils since the start of their work in December of the year 2007, based on the approval and support of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to develop a mechanism for holding Periodic meetings of the Gulf legislative councils under the umbrella of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf in the 27thsession that was held in Riyadh in the year 2006. These meetings have been striving hard to complete many mechanisms of cooperation in accordance with successive decisions to achieve more ambitious achievements that the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council are keen on in various fields.

The Secretary-General of the Shura Council added that this meeting, which is preparing to hold its 16th session in the Sultanate of Oman, reflects the basis of serious and organized work in its approach and continuity for the cooperation of the Gulf legislatures, in a way that enhances the space for exchanging opinion and experiences, coordinating different positions, and supporting the development and progress efforts of the Gulf peoples. The Secretary-General praised the efforts of their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries to push forward the work of the GCC countries and its comprehensiveness through the GCC legislative councils.

HE Al Nadabi also praised the great role that the periodic meetings had achieved during their courses in promoting the process of joint action and bringing it to an advanced level of unified international cooperation and coordination at all levels, and the serious pursuit of discussing issues that would contribute to advancing the efforts of the GCC countries to achieve more progress and prosperity for their citizens.

The Secretary-General of the Shura Council explained, saying: The importance of this meeting comes in accordance with the changes witnessed by the region in various fields, and it is resuming its activity in presence after three meetings that were held visually, noting that the Sultanate of Oman had the honor of hosting this event for several for the second since 2008.

HE Sheikh Ahmed Al-Nadabi indicated that the 16th  Periodic Meeting of their Excellencies, the heads of the Shura, Representatives, National and Nation Councils in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, will include a review of the annual report of the Chairman of the 15th Periodic Meeting, which was held via video conference under the chairmanship of His Excellency the Chairman of the Shura Council in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2021, and meetings of other committees emanating from this meeting. The heads of the Gulf legislative councils will also discuss many agenda items, the most important of which is the results of the meetings of the Gulf-European Parliamentary Committee concerned with strengthening relations with the European side. Among the proposed topics for holding an independent symposium for each topic, the will also brief the heads of the Gulf legislative councils on the item of cooperation with the parliaments of Latin American countries, and any new items on the agenda.

At the conclusion of his statement, His Excellency the Secretary-General of the Shura Council affirmed that the Sultanate of Oman welcomed their Excellencies, the heads of the Shura Councils, Representatives, the National and the Nation in the countries of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, and the delegations participating in the work of the meeting, expressing his wishes for the work of this meeting to be successful, and to produce results that contribute to strengthening the level of Coordination and advancing the joint work process towards greater interdependence, cooperation and integration among the GCC countries.

Prior to the 16th Periodic Meeting , the Parliamentary Coordination and Foreign Relations Committee will hold its 15th Preparatory Meeting next Monday, 18th of September, 2022, to study the committee’s agenda, prepare the draft agenda for the 16th Periodic Meeting, and other items, including common Gulf issues, and to study the committee’s agenda, prepare a draft agenda for the 16th Periodic Meeting, and other items, including common Gulf issues, and a proposal to activate and enhance the role of the meeting of the secretaries-general of the Gulf legislative councils, and activate the role of the General Secretariat in coordination and unification of visions between the Shura, Representatives, National Councils and the nation in the countries of the Council Cooperation for the Arab Gulf states on the sidelines of regional and international forums.