National Defence College Hosts Secretaries-General of GCC, Indian Ocean Rim Association

The National Defence College (NDC) today hosted the GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi who delivered a lecture titled "The Gulf Cooperation Council: The Ambitions and Challenges". The lecture formed part of the curriculum of the 12th course of the NDC (Academy of Strategic and Defence Studies). In his lecture, Al Budaiwi spoke about the implications of global competition on GCC states, the extent to which global crises impact the economy and investments of GCC states and the role of the GCC in resolving global conflicts and crises. It also dealt with implications to food security and to the future aspirations of GCC states. As part of the curriculum of its 12th course, the NDC also hosted Dr. Salman Al Farsi, Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association, who delivered a lecture titled 'Indian Ocean Rim Association and its Role in Global Development'. During the lecture, Dr. Salman Al Farsi underscored the role of the Association in achieving economic cooperation between member states and global economic blocs. The lecture highlighted the Association's role in liberalizing trade exchange and accelerating the flow of goods, services, investments and technology among member states. It also underlined the significance of the Association in enhancing dialogue between member states on economic, regional and international issues. Dr. Salman spoke about the Association's role in encouraging joint investment and maximizing common gains from joint capabilities and complementary roles with the aim of upgrading the competitiveness of member states' products globally. The lectures were attended by Rear Admiral Ali Abdullah Al Shidi, Commandant of the National Defence College, senior officers from the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF) and military and security units, government officials and NDC representatives. Source: Oman News Agency