According to Cabinet the Gulf Union has become a necessity, as well as a popular demand by citizens, in light of the developments and events across the region; especially as volatile economic and political conditions are becoming a source of continuous threat to the Arab world in general and the GCC in particular.
The Cabinet praised the role of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the creation of the Sheikh Isa Award for Service to Humanity as a Bahraini contribution to honor and develop exceptional Humanitarian efforts by individuals and/or organizations, and celebrate those who served humanity through innovative solutions that enhance the welfare of the world’s citizens and their quality of life. The Cabinet also expressed appreciation for commemorating the late His Highness Sheikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa and his dedicated efforts for humanity, as well as his significant impact on his country and internationally. The award honors those who struggle and seek to improve the human condition by securing their sustenance and safety.
The Cabinet commended all the efforts that the Isa Award for Service and Humanity Board of Trustees headed by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa Deputy Prime Minister; and congratulated the winner of the award in its first cycle, Dr. Jameela Mahmood, President of Malaysia’s Mercy Organization.
Also at today’s meeting, the Cabinet congratulated and extended sincere appreciation to the leaders and people of the GCC, upon the 32nd anniversary of its establishment (which took place on 25 May 1981).
The Cabinet acknowledged the many achievements of the GCC and recognized the value of expediting the process of the Gulf Union by activating the initiative proposed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to evolve into a union from the current cooperation status that now exists.
The Cabinet reviewed the aspect of various government support including food subsidies (specifically meat and poultry) and government policies proposed for the delivery of support to those who need it; and followed up on the availability of meat and poultry for the Holy Month of Ramadan.
The Prime Minister instructed the relevant authorities to develop urgent solutions to ensure there are no shortages of necessary supplies for the Holy Month.
HRH the Premier then focused on the review of medicines and their prices in the Kingdom. In light of the new Cabinet decision to lower the profit margin medicines being sold and for periodic follow up on prices, the Ministry of Health has been assigned to cooperate with the appropriate authorities to prepare a report on what has been achieved thus far to be submitted it to the Cabinet.
The Cabinet approved a draft decree approving the rules of governing the logo of the GCC approved by the 33rd session of the Supreme Council of the GCC held last December 2012 in Bahrain. These include (1) the adoption of the logo; (2) its general description; (3) its goal; (4) its ownership statement; (5) consideration of ways to protect it; and (6) the conditions of its use. The Cabinet assigned the proper authorities to take the necessary measures in accordance with the Constitution and Law.
The Cabinet approved the ratification of the main system for the GCC Emergency Management Center and agreed to take the necessary measures in accordance with the Constitution and the Law.
The main system of the GCC Emergency Management Center will regulate the establishment of the center based in Kuwait to work within the GCC as legally mandated. The center will contribute to specifying and evaluating natural and non-natural hazards, as well as receiving urgent communications.
It will also be involved in setting policies and procedures to facilitate relief missions, and providing human and mechanical support between the GCC and other countries to cope with emergencies.