GCC port authorities discuss naval access, green corridors during Riyadh meet

The Directorate-General of Coast Guard participated in the 32nd extraordinary meeting of the Committee of Port Authorities and Maritime Administration Officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries at the General Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, the Ministry’s Security Media Department said the meeting addressed several topics aimed at strengthening joint maritime cooperation among GCC states. Key discussions included facilitating the entry of naval vessels into Gulf waters and exploring the establishment of green corridors between Gulf ports, reports Al-Jarida daily.

The agenda also covered the unification of terms and conditions for granting marine driving licenses, updating standards for marine unit inspection and testing companies, and reviewing the classification of Arabian Gulf waters as an area sharing similar environmental risks related to ships’ ballast water — a step intended to protect and preserve the marine environment.

The Ministry emphasized that its participation reflects its commitment to enhancing cooperation and coordination among GCC countries in maritime and security fields. The Kuwaiti delegation was headed by Director of the Maritime Transport Department, Naval Colonel Yousef Nasrallah.