RIYADH — The 154th preparatory for the GCC Foreign Ministers began on Wednesday in Riyadh, ahead of the 43rd Gulf Summit on Friday.

During the meeting, Omani Foreign Minister Bader Al-Busaidi, the current chair of the gathering, highlighted the importance of the upcoming summit and its topics focusing on the security and welfare of the region.

The Omani Foreign Minister commended Qatar for its outstanding achievement in hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, saying that the event was a message of peace from the Arab countries to the rest of the world.

He also noted that GCC countries were looking forward to 2023 UN Climate Change Conference (COP 28) to be hosted by the UAE, expressing support towards the Emirates in organizing this important event.

The preparatory ministerial council discussed a number of issues related to joint GCC action, and the latest findings in preparation for the meeting of the 43rd session of the Supreme Council of the GCC, and the GCC-Chinese summit, which will be held on Friday in Riyadh. The ministerial council also submitted a number of recommendations to the Supreme Council meeting. — SG