VP, GCC Secretary General seek to strengthen relations

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, met Jasem Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), during the first day of the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2026, which commenced on Tuesday and runs for three days under the theme “Shaping Future Governments.”

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Mohammad Bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of the World Governments Summit Organisation; and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation.

The meeting explored avenues for coordinated Gulf action and the strengthening of integration across economic, development, and government sectors, in line with the visions and directives of GCC leaders. The meeting emphasised the importance of boosting the region’s preparedness for future shifts while enhancing its ability to transform challenges into sustainable development opportunities.

Sheikh Mohammed affirmed the UAE’s commitment to advancing the framework of Gulf cooperation, strengthening institutional partnerships among GCC states, and promoting the exchange of government best practices.

Through these concerted efforts, the UAE seeks to enhance government performance, optimise service delivery, and achieve further progress and prosperity for Gulf societies.

Jasem Al Budaiwi expressed his appreciation for the crucial role of the UAE in strengthening the Gulf cooperation framework, a reflection of the visionary leadership that places regional integration at the core of its strategic priorities.

He also commended the UAE’s efforts in organising the WGS, underscoring its role as a leading global platform for enhancing international cooperation and generating a positive impact on societies and the future of government work.

Separately, Sheikh Mohammed met Pedro Sánchez, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Spain, during the first day of the World Governments Summit 2026.

Sheikh Mohammed and Pedro Sánchez reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation across government, economic, technology, and investment sectors.

They also discussed Spain’s active participation in the WGS 2026, which serves as a global platform for envisioning the future of governments and sharing leading practices.

The Prime Minister of Spain commended the UAE’s outstanding experience in shaping future-ready governments and praised its efforts in highlighting innovative government practices through the World Governments Summit.

Sánchez noted that the Summit brings together government leaders from around the world to shed light on innovative projects, establish a shared framework to confront global challenges, enhance constructive cooperation, exchange expertise, and build strategic partnerships that drive global development and achieve prosperity for people across the world.

Sheikh Mohammed also met Alar Karis, President of the Republic of Estonia.

Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the President of Estonia and his accompanying delegation, expressing the UAE’s appreciation of the friendly relations it shares with the Republic of Estonia and the mutual commitment to further advance bilateral ties to serve the shared interests of both nations.

The two sides reviewed bilateral relations, exploring avenues to strengthen cooperation across diverse fields.

Sheikh Mohammed reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to expanding cooperation with its partners around the world, particularly in the areas of innovation and digital transformation, to support building more efficient, agile, and future-ready government models, in line with the aspirations of nations for sustainable development and prosperity.

The meeting also addressed several key themes and topics featured on the agenda of the ongoing edition of the WGS, highlighting the Summit’s role as a leading global platform for exchanging expertise and shaping the future of government.

WAM