The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is facing “unprecedented” challenges, including the Qatar crisis and the fallout from the new coronavirus, the grouping’s Secretary-General Nayef Al Hajraf has said.
Launched on May 25, 1981 in Abu Dhabi, the GCC comprises the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar. The latter has been locked in a bitter dispute with a Saudi-led quartet since mid-2017.
“The Gulf disagreement, which is nearing its third year, constitutes a challenge to the GCC march and represents a common concern for all countries of the council,” he added in a statement marking the bloc’s 39th anniversary.
“There is a big belief, God willing, that this difference will be handled within the Gulf house,” he added.