The Statistical Centre for the Gulf Cooperation Council States (GCC-Stat) organized a dialogue session titled "GCC: Partnership and Prosperity" on Saturday as part of the 29th Muscat International Book Fair, reviewing the Council's 44-year journey of Gulf partnership.

Key Participants:

• H.E. Dr. Mohammed Al-Hajri, Kuwait's Ambassador to Oman

• H.E. Ibrahim Bin Bishan, Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to Oman

• H.E. Ahmed Al-Maskari, GCC Affairs Director at Oman's Foreign Ministry

• Moderated by Retired Major General Nasser Al-Zedjali

Discussion Themes:

1. 44 Years of Gulf Partnership: From Establishment to Empowerment

2. People First: Empowering Gulf Citizens

3. The Gulf's Economic Prosperity Journey

4. Harvesting Achievements & Envisioning the Gulf's Future

Key Highlights:
✔ Participants affirmed the GCC's resilience in overcoming challenges since its establishment on May 25, 1981
✔ Highlighted development plans based on accurate statistics and global trends
✔ Recognized the GCC's evolution into a comprehensive regional institution
✔ Emphasized economic integration achievements (Customs Union, Common Market)
✔ Discussed mechanisms to enhance joint Gulf action amid rapid global changes

Economic Achievements:

• Sustainable and increasingly diversified economic development

• Attractive investment environment for local/international investors

• Enhanced competitiveness of Gulf economies

• Progress toward Gulf economic citizenship

Closing Remarks:
Speakers emphasized the GCC's unique model of regional cooperation based on unity of purpose, noting the need for balanced, integrated development to ensure regional stability and prosperity.

Book Fair Context:
The 29th Muscat International Book Fair:

• Runs until today (closing February [X], 2025)

• Features 674 publishers from 35 countries

• Includes Kuwait as guest of honor

• Hosts diverse cultural and literary events