On Wednesday 7 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, signed a cooperation agreement in Brussels between the European External Action Service and Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"This cooperation arrangement will serve as basis for an enhanced political dialogue and strengthened cooperation on sectoral areas of mutual interest, notably private sector development and research and innovation. These are key areas for Qatar’s diversification efforts and the country's transformation agenda, contained in the Qatar National Vision 2030", the EEAS stated in a press release.
Mogherini and the Emir also discussed the ongoing situation within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and prospects for a resolution of the crisis between Qatar and its GCC partners, who accuse Doha of destabilising the region and supporting terrorism. Mogherini reiterated the EU’s support for the Kuwaiti mediation to achieve Gulf reconciliation and its readiness to assist, the EEAS press release states.
Counter-terrorism, as well as several regional issues including Syria, the Middle East Peace Process, Iran and Libya, were also discussed. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)