Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani affirmed that the relationship between the GCC states and India is based on a well-established partnership, underpinned by close historical ties, strong people-to-people links and a shared commitment to regional security and stability.
He made the remarks while chairing the joint ministerial meeting between the GCC states and India, held on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Dr Al Zayani said the security of the Arabian Gulf and its maritime routes is a shared interest for all, with implications extending to the global economy as a whole.
He stressed the importance of the GCC-India partnership in ensuring freedom of navigation and upholding the principles established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Foreign Minister said economic relations between the GCC states and India are gaining increasing momentum, welcoming the launch of negotiations on a free trade agreement in February and expressing hope that they would be concluded at the earliest opportunity.
He also welcomed discussions on practical steps to advance the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, noting its potential to strengthen connectivity between the two regions.
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