Washington: GCC Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi affirmed the Gulf's keenness to enhance international presence by attending joint economic events during the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, scheduled to take place in Washington in October. Al-Budaiwi shared this during a video conference meeting with Jihad Azour, the Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the IMF, and the relevant team.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi praised the IMF's role in strengthening the strategic partnership with the GCC countries. He noted the importance of cooperation in confronting global economic challenges, including inflationary pressures and oil price fluctuations. The ongoing preparations for the joint meeting between the finance ministers and central bank governors of the GCC countries and the managing director of the IMF were discussed. Additionally, the meeting with Central Asian countries will address several economic topics of common interest.
Al-Budaiwi highlighted the success of the Gulf Economic Event, organized by the council at the World Bank headquarters last year. This event contributed to strengthening efforts to prepare for the next gathering in cooperation with the IMF, aiming to enhance dialogue on economic challenges and opportunities in the GCC.