MUSCAT — The 29th summit of their majesties and highnesses, leaders of the AGCC states, has issued Muscat Declaration after the summit.

Following is the text of the declaration: On the occasion of the 29th session of the Supreme Council of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council, held in Muscat on Monday and Tuesday, 1st-2nd Muharram 1430 Hijri, corresponding to 29th-30th December 2008, and in the context of the achievements witnessed in different areas, under the wise leadership of their majesties and highnesses the leaders of member states of the council states.

The Sultanate of Oman expresses its appreciation of the steps undertaken by member states in accordance with the decisions of the Supreme Council, which aim to consolidate relations between them in various fields, and strengthening the mutual ties among their peoples, in harmony with the noble principles and objectives of the basic charter of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council.

In view of the accelerated changes and various developments taking place in the world, and the subsequent effects on all states, there comes a need to exert further efforts in order to preserve the gains achieved by the council, and deal with new developments in a manner that will allow member states to continue their work in developing their individual capacities, through the application of knowledge and state of the art technologies, including intensifying efforts to develop their human resources and scientific research.

This will enable member states to transform into knowledge-based economies, achieve sustainable economic and social development, prepare and enhance the climate for investment with a competitive edge and participate in the world economy on a solid and stable footing.

The Sultanate of Oman confirms its interest in conserving the environment. In view of events, which have taken place in the world over the last years, namely climate change and its various effects upon many parts of the globe, member states are requested today, more than anytime before, to develop forecasting methods and strengthen their collaboration, so as to contribute towards dealing with such circumstances more constructively, on the bases of the “General Policies and Principles for Environment Protection” which had been adopted by the Supreme Council in its sixth session (Muscat, November 1985)

In this respect, the Sultanate praises the decision of the AGCC ministers responsible for environmental affairs, in granting a periodical award in the name of the Arab Gulf Cooperation Council for outstanding environmental activities. The award aims to raise the level of environmental understanding and awareness among the peoples of the region, and to encourage individuals and institutions to research, create, and innovate in order to devise suitable solutions for contemporary environmental issues.

In recognition of the joint efforts made in the Gulf on environmental issues, giving further incentives for generating more interest and productivity in this area, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said, the Sultan of Oman, has endowed an award for the human affairs and environmental sector, which represents a common link between Member States and their peoples.

Direct support for important scientific research aims at developing effective plans and policies for preserving clean and safe environment, while taking into consideration natural trends of climate cycles through centuries.

May Allah grant us success.