MBZ calls for joint Gulf action in fight against drugs

His Highness Sheikha Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise between security agencies in GCC countries and international bodies to address common challenges, particularly the threat posed by drugs…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the heads of delegations participating in a workshop titled ‘Preparing the GCC Strategy for Combating Drugs (2025-2028)’.

In attendance at the meeting was His Highness Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. Hosted in Abu Dhabi by the Ministry of Interior from 16 to 19 September, the workshop is organised by the General Secretariat of the GCC in cooperation with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and with the participation of relevant authorities from the UAE.

During the meeting, held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed welcomed the GCC Secretary-General and the heads of delegations, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation and exchanging expertise between security agencies in GCC countries and international bodies to address common challenges, particularly the threat posed by drugs, which affects the social, economic, health, and security sectors.

His Highness reaffirmed that joint Gulf efforts, across all fields including security, are a key safeguard in ensuring the interests of GCC countries and their people. He also wished the participants of the GCC Strategy for Combating Drugs workshop success in their mission to protect Gulf societies and youth from the scourge of drugs through a unified and effective Gulf strategy.

In response, the heads of delegations expressed their gratitude to the UAE for hosting the workshop, praising the country’s comprehensive strategy in tackling drugs and addressing their associated risks.

The meeting was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Foreign Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; along with a number of officials, UAE citizens and guests.

Earlier this month,,  H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, met today in Abu Dhabi with Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

During the meeting, they discussed several topics related to the progress of Gulf cooperation drive, in addition to regional and international issues of mutual interest, notably the latest developments in the Middle East.

The UAE Top Diplomat commended the GCC General Secretariat for its efforts in fostering stronger regional and international cooperation among GCC states, aligned with their shared goals of comprehensive and sustainable development.

Sheikh Abdullah also affirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting and enhancing the progress of cooperation between GCC states, to ensure prosperity and well-being for the peoples of the region’s countries.

The meeting was attended by Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, Minister of State.

Meanwhile, Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State, participated in the 161st session of the GCC Ministerial Council, which was held on 9th September, at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh, and in the joint ministerial meetings held on the sidelines of the session with the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the Federative Republic of Brazil.

The session issued a closing statement which included an overview of the latest developments in joint Gulf action, as well as regional and global political issues.

Furthermore, the statement underlined reinforcing partnerships with other countries, maintaining dialogue and strategic relations between GCC countries and nations alongside regional and international organisations, and the outcomes of the separate joint ministerial meetings with the Russian Federation, the Republic of India and the Federative Republic of Brazil.

The statement also covered discussions regarding aspects of cooperation, enhancing coordination and exchanging views on regional and international developments within the framework of the existing strategic dialogue.

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