Gulf Cooperation Council – GCC
The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG; Arabic: مجلس التعاون لدول الخليج العربية), also known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC; مجلس التعاون الخليجي), is a political and economic union of the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.
Source: Wikipedia
The Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] was established in an agreement concluded on 25 May 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE. These countries declared that the GCC is established in view of the special relations between them, their similar political systems based on Islamic beliefs, joint destiny and common objectives. The GCC is a regional common market with a defense planning council as well. The geographic proximity of the these countries and their general adoption of free trade economic policies are factors that encouraged them to establish the GCC.
Source: GlobalSecurity.org
[From the Charter]
COOPERATION COUNCIL FOR THE ARAB STATES OF THE GULF
The United Arab Emirates
The State of Bahrain
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The Sultanate of Oman
The State of Qatar, and
The State of Kuwait
Being fully aware of the ties of special relations, common characteristics and similar systems founded on the creed of Islam which bind them; and
Desiring to effect coordination, cooperation and integration between them in all fields; and,
Having the conviction that coordination, cooperation, and integration between them serve the sublime objectives of the Arab Nation; and,
Having the conviction that coordination, cooperation, and integration between them serve the sublime objectives of the Arab Nation; and,
In pursuit of the goal of strengthening cooperation and reinforcement of the links between them; and
In an endeavour to complement efforts already begun in all essential areas that concern their peoples and realize their hopes for a better future on the path to unity of their States; and
In conformity with the Charter of the League of Arab States which calls for the realization of closer relations and stronger bonds; and
In order to channel their efforts to reinforce and serve Arab and Islamic causes,
Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE ONE
The Establishment of the Council
A Council shall be established hereby to be named The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf hereinafter referred to as the Cooperation Council (GCC).
ARTICLE TWO
The Cooperation Council shall have its headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Source: The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf – Secretariat General
