Riyadh, May 11 (QNA) - GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi praised the Gulf states for building a development model that balances cultural identity with global openness, saying Gulf Cooperation Council nations have strengthened their regional and international influence through deeper political, economic, and technological integration.

Speaking at the Gulf Achievements Forum in Riyadh, Albudaiwi highlighted major advances in security, digital transformation, healthcare, education, and energy connectivity, stressing that the Gulf citizen remains at the heart of the bloc's development strategy.

He said the GCC's achievements, including freedom of movement, employment, investment, education, and healthcare access across member states, reflect the growing success of joint Gulf cooperation ahead of the council's 45th anniversary on May 25.

Albudaiwi also warned that accelerating global and regional changes make Gulf unity a strategic necessity, urging younger generations to continue strengthening regional cohesion and long-term economic competitiveness. (QNA)