Yemen’s GCC admission discussed [Archives:2006/936/Local News]

RIYADH, April 9 ) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) technical committee began meeting this week to discuss necessary plans and programs to qualify Yemen's economy so it can be admitted to the GCC.

Yemen's Deputy Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr. Yahya Al-Mutawakil, represented Yemen at the GCC meetings.

The committee, which includes GCC state representatives, the GCC General Secretariat board and several finance organizations, discussed necessary mechanisms to qualify Yemen for GCC admittance.

Mechanisms were discussed in light of results from last month's meeting of GCC member states' foreign ministers in Riyadh. The committee discussed contributions of funds and Gulf governments in development plans, according to proposals Yemen presented at last December's GCC summit.

GCC Secretary-General Abdurrahman Al-Atteyah stated that committee meetings aim to specify Yemen's funding needs and consolidate relations between GCC member states and Yemen. He said Yemen enjoys historical and typical relations with GCC member states, which in turn strengthens brotherly cooperation between the countries.

Al-Mutawakil pointed out that the committee reviewed a study on external assistance to Yemen and its future horizons.

Committee members suggested a mechanism to establish a Gulf fund to qualify Yemen's economy so it can be approved as a GCC member state. However, they said Yemen still needs another 10 years to become qualified for GCC entry.

Al-Mutawakil said they discussed forming a technical team from the GCC General Secretariat, Yemeni representatives and some Gulf funds to review studies scheduled to be conducted prior to arrangements for a donors conference soon to be held in Yemen.
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