The Qatari-Bahraini Follow-up Committee recently held its first meeting at the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) headquarters in Riyadh to discuss the resolution of outstanding issues between the two nations. The Qatari delegation was led by Ahmed Al Hammadi, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the Bahraini delegation was headed by the Undersecretary for International Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Shaikh Abdulla Al Khalifa.
The meeting, which was held to embody the directives of the two countries’ leaderships and their determination to protect the future and entity of the GCC, was a significant step towards resolving the differences between Qatar and Bahrain. During the meeting, both parties discussed the necessary procedures and mechanisms to ensure the success of bilateral talks and end the outstanding issues between them in a way that benefits both nations.
The end of the Gulf regional crisis in early 2021 was a turning point for the relationship between Doha and Manama, and the recent meeting signifies the ongoing efforts to repair their relationship and move towards a brighter future. The two sides agreed to hold periodic and continuous meetings to achieve their desired goals and ensure the stability of the GCC.
The role of SMEs in Tunisia’s economy and the support they receive from the World Bank has been a hot topic in recent years. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a crucial part of Tunisia’s economy and the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have caused significant imbalances in the country. The World Bank has approved a $120 million loan to finance Tunisian institutions for lending to eligible SMEs.
The World Bank’s loan aims to support the Tunisian government’s recovery plan, which includes pivotal financial sector reforms to strengthen financial sector regulation and supervision, further develop financial infrastructure, and promote broader financial inclusion. Alexandre Arrobbio, the World Bank country manager for Tunisia, emphasized the importance of SMEs in Tunisia and stated that the World Bank and its partners are pursuing support for the Tunisian government’s recovery plan through this project and other financial sector support programs.
In conclusion, the recent meeting between Qatar and Bahrain is a significant step towards resolving the differences between the two nations and ensuring the stability of the GCC. The World Bank’s loan to Tunisia also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to supporting the country’s economy and promoting financial inclusion.