Perth, February 09, 2024, Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has emphasized the pivotal role played by the Seventh Indian Ocean Conference (IOC), hosted by Australia, in facilitating discussions surrounding security and growth prospects within the region. This assertion was made during a meeting with the Australian Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, held today in Perth, Australia, on the sidelines of the conference.
The discussions between the two officials delved into the bilateral relations between the GCC and Australia, exploring avenues to bolster mutual economic and commercial interests. Furthermore, they deliberated upon recent global developments, with a particular focus on the crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip. Both parties underscored the necessity for concerted international efforts to address this crisis effectively, thereby contributing to the preservation of stability and security within the region and beyond.
Al-Budaiwi expressed his gratitude to the Australian Government for organizing the seventh edition of the IOC, recognizing it as a significant platform that convenes policymakers, diplomats, scientists, and experts from around the globe. This forum serves as a catalyst for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.