GCC I Gulf Cooperation Council I Explained/Notes I KEMSEN

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Countries are Gulf Countries because they lie on the border of the Persian Gulf. A gulf is a portion of the ocean that penetrates land. Gulfs vary greatly in size, shape, and depth. They are generally larger and more deeply indented than bays. Like bays, they often make excellent harbors. Many important trading centers are located on gulfs. Gulf Countries are: 1. Bahrain 2. Kuwait 3. Iraq 4. Oman 5. Qatar 6. Saudi Arabia 7. The United Arab Emirates. Also, these countries except Iraq are part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), political and economic alliance of six Middle Eastern countries—Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The GCC was established in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 25 May 1981. The purpose of the GCC is to achieve unity among its members based on their common objectives and their similar political and cultural identities, which are rooted in Arab and Islamic cultures. Presidency of the council rotates annually. Arguably the most important article of the GCC Charter is Article 4, which states that the alliance was formed to strengthen relations among its member countries and to promote cooperation among the countries’ citizens. The GCC also has a defense planning council that coordinates military cooperation between member countries. The highest decision-making entity of the GCC is the Supreme Council, which meets on an annual basis and consists of GCC heads of state. Decisions of the Supreme Council are adopted by unanimous approval. The Ministerial Council, made up of foreign ministers or other government officials, meets every three months to implement the decisions of the Supreme Council and to propose new policy. The administrative arm of the alliance is the office of the Secretariat-General, which monitors policy implementation and arranges meetings. #kemsen ‪@KemsenOfficial‬