Jassem Albudaiwi, secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), met with Dr. Raja Al Marzouqi, the newly-appointed general coordinator for negotiations and head of the negotiating team of the GCC on Wednesday at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh, on the occasion of his appointment. During the meeting, the Secretary General congratulated the GCC General Coordinator for Negotiations on this great confidence entrusted to him by the Respected Ministerial Council, wishing him success in carrying out his tasks to advance Gulf trade negotiations in a manner that meets the aspirations of the leaders of the GCC countries and the peoples of the GCC countries. The officials also discussed the necessity of benefiting from the Gulf achievements during the blessed course of the council, in accordance with what was included in the provisions of the economic agreement, and the ability of the GCC countries to play a major role as an economic engine. They noted that this can be done through strategic partnerships and free trade negotiations with a number of countries, regional blocs, and other economic and international groups, and strengthening the means to accelerate its pace in a way that contributes to advancing the process of growth and Gulf economic integration, through plans, visions and development programs in the GCC countries. For his part, Dr. Al Marzouqi extended his thanks to the Secretary General for the congratulations, and his sincere appreciation and thanks to the foreign ministers of the GCC countries, for the confidence in appointing him as the General Coordinator for Negotiations. It should be noted that the GCC Ministerial Council issued, on March 22, 2023, its decision to appoint the candidate of Saudi Arabia Dr. Al Marzouqi as General Coordinator for Negotiations and Head of the Negotiating Team of the GCC. He had previously worked as a Chief Economic Advisor at the Ministry of Economy and Planning in Saudi Arabia, a faculty member at the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies, and a collaborating expert with the International Monetary Fund. He also held several leadership and administrative positions in the government and private sectors, as well as international and regional organizations, the most recent of which was the position of CEO of the Gulf Monetary Council. Dr. Al Marzouqi holds a PhD in Economics from Oklahoma State University-Stillwater, a Master"s degree in Applied Mathematical Economics from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the United States, and a Bachelor"s degree in Economics from King Saud University in Riyadh. — SG