
GCC rail network to link all six Gulf states soon
Manama: The 2,200 km-long railway network that will link the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states from Kuwait City to the Omani capital Muscat is already well underway, the GCC Secretary-General has said.
The GCC said that the GCC Railway would be a regional integrated interoperable railway catering to its transport needs.
According to Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the rail network will link all six Gulf States and will serve as an alternative to air and sea travel for both cargo and passengers in the region.
“Tracks for Regional Peace”
As Al Zayani was highlighting the significance of the GCC Rail, Israeli Transportation and Intelligence Minister Israel Katz flew to Oman to attend an international transportation conference and present a plan to set up a rail link between Israel and the Gulf.
The Israeli initiative, called “Tracks for Regional Peace,” is supported by the US and other Western countries.
According to Israeli reports, the plan is based on “the planned extension of railway tracks in northern Israel, which would link Haifa’s seaport to Jordan’s rail network, which in turn would be linked with that of Saudi Arabia and countries.”
The Israelis hope that the full network will create a regional transportation system to enhance trade relations and promote peaceful coexistence.
None of the GCC countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates- has diplomatic relations with Israel.
Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a surprise visit to Oman where he held talks with Sultan Qaboos.