Manama, November 08 (QNA) - The State of Qatar, within the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), signed the General Agreement to Connect Countries of the Cooperation Council for Arab States of the Gulf Through the Railway Project, in Manama, today.

This came on the sidelines of the 30th Meeting of the Ministers of Transport of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) held in Manama, Bahrain, today.

The signing ceremony was attended by GCC Transport Ministers and HE GCC Secretary-General, Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi.

The agreement establishes a framework for coordination between the member states and the GCC Railways Authority, with the aim of overcoming obstacles and ensuring technical and operational integration of the Gulf railway network.

The agreement also defines the responsibilities of each country within the project and includes a timeline for execution and operation, in addition to standardizing technical and operational criteria, safety requirements, and interoperability among the railway networks of the member states.

On this occasion, HE Minister of Transport Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla bin Mohammed Al-Thani said that the signing of the General Agreement to Connect the GCC Countries through the Railway Project represents a strategic step toward enhancing Gulf integration and developing a regional transportation ecosystem.

It also reflects the commitment of the GCC countries to strengthening their historic, fraternal ties and consolidating joint cooperation in vital industries —ultimately serving the aspirations of their peoples and supporting the path toward sustainable development.

The agreement serves as an important framework for coordinating GCC efforts to carry out the Railway Project and enhancing the connectivity between national transportation networks and this contributes to facilitating the movement of people and goods, improving the efficiency of logistics services, and opening broader prospects for trade and tourism among the member states of the Council, he added. Furthermore, it

strengthens the region's competitiveness and solidifies its position as a regional hub for transportation and logistics, he said.

HE the Minister affirmed that the State of Qatar will continue to support joint GCC initiatives that contribute to reinforcing regional integration, achieving economic and social development, and providing advanced infrastructure that aligns with future aspirations.

The Supreme Council of the GCC in 2009 approved the establishment of a railway network connecting its six member states. In December 2021, it decided to establish the GCC Railways Authority to coordinate the execution of the project and ensure its compatibility with the national railway networks of the member states. (QNA)