MUSCAT: The interior ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council states have unanimously approved the introduction of a single Gulf tourist visa.
At their 40th meeting in the Omani capital Muscat, the ministers also gave the green light to the introduction of an electronic system linking traffic violations.
Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, said the unified tourist visa system, to be implemented within a “specific timetable”, was another sign of increased cooperation between the Gulf states.
The ministers also ordered the preparation of a council strategy to combat drugs and reviewed security awareness campaigns.
Albudaiwi noted that the GCC countries had received regional and international recognition for their progress on security issues.
He said: “Achieving these successes requires ensuring a high level of national security and deterring any threats that could hinder the region’s development.”
He highlighted the growing threat posed by illegal drugs to communities in the GCC, and praised several national campaigns launched in the region to tackle the problem.
“(The fight against drugs) requires everyone to work hand in hand to confront its spread among the youth of the GCC countries according to a unified strategy that addresses all fronts (prevention, control and treatment),” Albudaiwi added.
