The GCC Charter states that the basic objectives are to effect coordination, integration and inter-connection between Member States in all fields, strengthening ties between their peoples, formulating similar regulations in various fields such as economy, finance, trade, customs, tourism, legislation, administration, as well as fostering scientific and technical progress in industry, mining, agriculture, water and animal resources, establishing scientific research centers, setting up joint ventures, and encouraging cooperation of the private sector.

Firstly: The Supreme Council is the highest authority of the GCC formed of the Heads of Member States. Its presidency rotates according to the Arabic alphabetical order of the names of Member States. It convenes one regular session every year. However, extraordinary sessions may be convened at the request of any Member State seconded by another. In 1998, during the 19th summit held in Abu Dhabi, the Supreme Council decided to hold a consultative meeting in between two summits every year. Meetings of the Supreme Council are considered valid if attended by two-thirds of the Member States, at which each has one vote. Resolutions on substantive matters are issued by unanimous approval of the members present, while a majority is enough to approve those of procedural nature.

[GCC Charter] The Consultative Commission: Formed of thirty GCC citizens (five from each Member States) chosen according to their experience and qualification for a period of three years. The Consultative Commission is charged with studying matters referred to it by the Supreme Council. [CC Regulation]

Commission for the Settlement of Disputes: Formed by the Supreme Council for every case on an ad-hoc basis in accordance with the nature of the dispute.

Secondly: The Ministerial Council is composed of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs or other ministers acting on their behalf. Presidency of the Ministerial Council is entrusted with the Member State that presided the last ordinary session of the Supreme Council, or when necessary, with the Member State that is next to preside the Supreme Council. The Ministerial Council convenes every three months, and may hold extraordinary meetings upon the request of one Member State seconded by another.
A meeting is considered valid if attended by two-thirds of the Member States.

Among other jurisdictions, the Ministerial Council is authorised to propose policies, lay out recommendations, and encourage and coordinate the already existing activities in all fields. Resolutions adopted by other ministerial committees are referred to the Ministerial Council, which in turn would refer the relevant matters, along with appropriate recommendations, to the Supreme Council for approval. The Ministerial Council is also charged with arranging the Supreme Council meetings and preparing their agenda. Procedures of voting are similar to those applicable at the Supreme Council. [GCC Charter]

Thirdly: The Secretariat-General is charged, among other functions, with preparing studies related to cooperation, co-ordination, and integrated plans and programmes for joint work. It is also entrusted with the preparation of periodic reports on the work of the GCC, follow up implementation of the resolutions, prepare reports and studies when requested by the Supreme Council or the Ministerial Council. The Secretariat also makes preparation for meetings and prepare the agendas and draft resolutions for the Ministerial Council. [GCC Charter]

The Organizational body of the Secretariat-General is comprised of the following:
(1) A Secretary-General appointed by the Supreme Council for a period of three years renewable only once.
(2) Three Assistant Secretaries-General for political, economic and military affairs, as well as the head of the GCC delegation to Brussels, who are appointed by the Ministerial Council for three renewable years, upon nomination of the Secretary-General.
(3) Directors-general of the Secretariat-General sectors as well as other staff that are appointed by the Secretary-General.

The administrative structure of the Secretariat General consists of a number of sectors: Political Affairs, Economic Affairs, Military Affairs, Human and Environment Affairs, Legal Affairs, Office of the Secretary-General, Finance and Administrative Affairs, Patent Bureau, Administrative Development Unit, Internal Auditing Unit, and Information Centre, in addition to the GCC Delegation in Brussels and the Telecommunications Bureau in Bahrain.

SOURCE: The Cooperation Council For The Arab States