Riyadh, March 26 (QNA) - During an extraordinary meeting held via video conferencing on Thursday, the GCC Ministers of Transport and Communications discussed the latest developments and their impact on supply chains, assessed the readiness of land border crossings and discussed ways to address operational challenges.

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi indicated that the meeting addressed a number of proposed measures, particularly activating the Green Lanes Protocol, utilizing alternative ports and safe transport routes, in addition to developing joint coordination mechanisms to monitor the situation in real time and address any potential bottlenecks.

During his remarks, Albudaiwi affirmed the vital role of the transport and communications sector, noting that it is one of the most important pillars of economic security for the GCC countries and a key driver in enhancing the resilience of the GCC economies and their ability to withstand challenges. 

He noted that this sector represents the artery that ensures the continued flow of strategic goods, including food, medicine, and fuel, through various land, air and sea ports, and maintains market stability and the sustainability of supply chains without interruption, even in the most difficult circumstances.

The GCC Secretary General said that the escalating challenges witnessed in the region as a result of the blatant Iranian military escalation targeting the GCC countries are no longer a transient situation, but rather constitute a real test of the GCC ability to protect its achievements and ensure the continuity of its vital sectors with efficiency and stability.

He added that the intensive coordination meetings, which have exceeded 35 meetings since the outbreak of the crisis, reflect an advanced level of institutional readiness and a shared awareness of the nature of this phase and its requirements. 

He added that maintaining the smooth flow of land, maritime, and air transport is no longer an option, but a strategic necessity that requires additional proactive steps to enhance the readiness of crossings and minimize any potential impact on trade movement and supply chains.

He affirmed that the GCC countries are capable of overcoming crises and challenges with efficiency and competence, based on the strong ties and effective integration that bring them together across all fields. He stressed that this phase requires clarity of vision and speed in decision-making and implementation. (QNA)