MANAMA: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries are fully committed to the policies and guidelines of the International Labor Organization (ILO), the bloc's chief Jassem Al-Bedaiwi said on Sunday. This commitment stems from the wider Gulf Arab region's rigid traditions based on holy Islamic teachings, he said on the sidelines of the opening of the new headquarters for the GCC social and labor council in the Bahraini capital. Kuwait's Al-Bedaiwi spoke of a unified GCC vision aiming to regulate labor standards based on the guidelines of the ILO, emphasizing that such a measure is part of efforts to bolster "joint work" and cooperation among Gulf Arab states.

Addressing the gathering, GCC labor and social council chief executive Dr Amer Al-Hajri agreed that greater pan Gulf-Arab cooperation is a common objective, saying the council backs any initiative aiming to bring that goal to fruition. Bahrain's Labor Minister Jameel Humaidan underlined that these GCC bodies, many of which are based in the Gulf Arab kingdom, aim to "unify the polices" of GCC member states, besides allowing an opportunity for the "exchange" of knowledge and expertise, he added.

GCC efforts Meanwhile, Bahrain Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa has affirmed the importance of further strengthening joint GCC efforts and cooperation to create a more prosperous future for all. The remarks were made when Prince Salman met earlier with the Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi and his accompanying delegation. Prince Salman emphasized the importance of building on the Council's efforts in line with the far-reaching goals and aspirations of GCC leaders.

The Bahraini Crown Prince welcomed the GCC Chief to Bahrain, and wished him success in his endeavors. Prince Salman underscored the importance of increasing integration and cooperation between GCC countries to meet the aspirations of their citizens and consolidate global peace and development. For his part, Al-Budaiwi expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Prince Salman, highlighting the Crown Prince and Prime Minister's ongoing support of the longstanding strategic partnership between member states of the GCC. - KUNA