IGAD and the Gulf Cooperation Council Meet to Enhance Cooperation

The Executive Secretary of Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), H.E. Amb (Eng) Mahboub Maalim, today received a delegation from the Saudi Arabia-based Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) led by Dr. Abdel Aziz AbuHamad Aluwaisheg the Assistant Secretary General for Political Negotiations Affairs.

The two regional blocs explored opportunities through which they can develop cooperation and coordination in areas of common interests. These areas include and are not limited to security, economic ties and relations (investment and trade), food security and nutrition, agricultural sector development, blue economy, marine corridor, infrastructure and connectivity, education, research and technology, health as well as youth and cultural, social and media outreach.

In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of IGAD, His Excellency Amb (Eng) Mahboub Maalim, expressed his gratitude for the time spared and pointed out that the Horn of Africa and the Gulf countries have a lot to share.

Dr. Abdel Aziz AbuHamad Aluwaisheg applauded IGAD for the tremendous efforts made in a versatile and challenging yet potentially ripe environment. He pointed out that IGAD is a priority area GCC intends to engage and work with in order to harmonize and enhance relations for a stable, peaceful, and economically sound region.

On December 18, 2017 the delegations from the two organisations agreed in principle on the Memorandum of Understanding and Joint Action Plan 2017-2020 and signing will take place at a later date upon consultation with the respective member states in the IGAD region and the Gulf.

The GCC delegation included Mr. Adel H.M Jalal, Director of Cooperation & Regional Partnerships, Negotiations and Strategic Dialogue and Mr. Addulrahman A. Albarrak the Political Negotiations Affairs at the IGAD Secretariat in Djibouti. ###