Minister of Public Works: Gulf Rail Link Agreement Marks a Historic Milestone in Joint Efforts

Manama, Kuwait – Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan affirmed in Manama today that the General Agreement for connecting the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to the railway project represents a historic milestone in the trajectory of joint GCC efforts, marking a transition from the planning stage to the stage of executive commitment in line with the directives of the Council’s leaders.

This statement was made by Al-Mashaan to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) following her participation, alongside the heads of GCC delegations, in the signing ceremony of the General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project. The ceremony was held under the patronage of Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on the sidelines of the 30th meeting of the Transport Ministers Committee, hosted by the Kingdom and chaired by Bahrain’s Minister of Transport and Communications, Sheikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, with the attendance of GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi.

Al-Mashaan further emphasized that the project constitutes a strategic pillar for enhancing economic integration and interconnectivity among GCC member states, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods, boosting intra-GCC trade, and improving the efficiency of the transport and logistics system, thereby opening broader horizons for cooperation and sustainable development among the Council’s member states.

She stated that Kuwait, as the starting point of the project, is committed to implementing its portion in coordination with the Gulf Railway Authority and member states, noting that the Kuwaiti segment of the project spans approximately 111 kilometers from the Shadadiya area to Al-Nuwaybisat on the border with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

She underscored the importance of continuing coordination and cooperation among member states and relevant authorities to ensure the integration of project implementation phases and achieve its developmental and economic objectives, thereby strengthening the momentum of joint GCC efforts.

Al-Mashaan praised the role played by the Gulf Railway Authority in monitoring project activities, coordinating among member states, and unifying technical and executive efforts to accelerate progress and achieve integration in the implementation of the Gulf railway network.

She also commended the efforts of the GCC Secretariat General, under the leadership of Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi, in following up on the project up to the signing of the agreement, and expressed her appreciation for the hospitality and excellent organization provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain. (End) K.N.A. / N.S.A.