Washington: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi has affirmed that the GCC countries are keen to enhance their international presence and showcase their achievements in economic and financial development. This effort is being made by participating in joint meetings and GCC economic events to be held on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB).

According to Qatar News Agency, Al Budaiwi emphasized the importance of expanding strategic partnerships with international financial institutions to support reform and sustainable growth in the region. This was highlighted during his videoconference meeting with Jihad Azour, Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, and the relevant team.

The Secretary General praised the IMF’s role in strengthening its strategic partnership with the GCC countries, acknowledging the global challenges the region faces, such as inflationary pressures and oil price volatility. The meeting also focused on preparations for an upcoming joint meeting in October between GCC finance ministers and central bank governors with the Managing Director of the IMF. This meeting will occur alongside the Financial and Economic Cooperation Committee meeting.

Additionally, discussions included plans for a meeting between the GCC finance ministers and central bank governors and those from Central Asian and Caucasian countries. The agenda also covered the GCC event scheduled for the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings in October in Washington, DC, focusing on enhancing cooperation between the two sides.

Al Budaiwi noted the success of the previous economic event held by the GCC at the World Bank, which has spurred further preparations for the upcoming Gulf economic event. Scheduled for next October with the IMF, this event will serve as an important platform for promoting dialogue on various topics related to the GCC economies. It will also offer an opportunity to exchange experiences, learn about best practices in economic and investment aspects, and present distinguished success stories from the GCC countries.