The GCC countries today (November 8) signed the General Railway Agreement during a high-profile meeting of the region's transport ministers in Bahrain, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, thus marking a significant step toward accelerating one of the region’s largest joint transportation projects.

Prince Salman earlier in the day met Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the heads of delegations participating in the 30th Meeting of the GCC Ministerial Council for Transport, at Riffa Palace.

His Royal Highness highlighted the Kingdom of Bahrain’s commitment, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to supporting efforts that advance the progress and prosperity of GCC States and their peoples, in line with the visions and aspirations of the leaders of the GCC States, reported BNA.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is hosting the meeting and signing ceremony as part of its presidency of the 46th Session of the GCC Supreme Council, the "Bahrain Summit".

His Royal Highness affirmed the continued success of joint GCC efforts, noting that these achievements reflect member states’ commitment to turning shared aspirations into strategic projects and pioneering development initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Prince Salman underscored the strategic importance of the GCC Railway Project in advancing transport and logistics services, facilitating trade, and creating further economic and investment opportunities.

The Bahrain PremIer highlighted the importance of strengthening co-operation in this vital sector and developing transport and communications networks across the GCC to improve efficiency, enhance connectivity and advance shared economic growth and development. 

Prince Salman further emphasised the importance of strengthening multilateral co-ordination and co-operation among GCC States to ensure continued progress in implementing joint strategic projects.

He pointed out that co-ordinated efforts and shared expertise among relevant entities were key to achieving common goals and advancing development and prosperity across GCC States and their peoples, said the BNA report.

For their part, the GCC Secretary General and heads of delegations expressed their appreciation for His Royal Highness’s commitment to supporting joint GCC action and wished the Kingdom of Bahrain continued progress and prosperity, it added.