Manama, Dec. 21. (BNA) – The Council of GCC Social Affairs Ministers has approved the establishment of a work team, under the chairmanship of Social Development Minister Dr. Fatima bint Mohammed Al Balushi, to study implementing joint GCC projects, including specialised centres for education, training, awareness-raising and capacity-building in various social fields.

This came as Dr. Al Blushi participated in the 41st coordinative meeting of the Council of GCC Social Affairs Ministers, held recently in Amman, Jordan, on the sidelines of the 33rd session of Arab Social Affairs Ministers’ Meeting, under the chairmanship of Kuwaiti Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Thikra Al-Rashidi.

The council agreed to submit a proposal to Arab Social Affairs Ministers to devise a new Arab Strategy to reduce poverty as the ten-year-old strategy proved ineffective amid the changes undergone by the region.

Al-Rashidi affirmed the importance of the Kuwaiti Amir Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed AL Jaber Al Sabah on establishing an Arab SMEs’ Fund.

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BNA 1533 GMT 2013/12/21