Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi affirmed that environmental protection and addressing the impacts of climate change have become essential components of GCC countries' national visions.During his speech at the 26th meeting of the ministers responsible for environmental affairs in the GCC, held here and chaired by Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change Dr Abdullah Al Subaie, Albudaiwi added that the GCC countries strive to enhance environmental policies, promote renewable energy reliance, and reduce carbon emissions to achieve a balance between development and environmental protection."On the international front, cooperation to address climate change and other environmental challenges has become essential among all countries, with GCC countries actively contributing to global cooperation and providing solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change while preserving the environment," he stated.He also congratulated the UAE on hosting the COP28 UN C limate Change Conference and conveyed his best wishes for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's hosting the upcoming 16th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification, which is scheduled for December.Source: Saudi Press Agency