The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, and several foreign ministers on Monday 21 January hoped that the first-ever summit between the EU and the League of Arab States, scheduled for 24 and 25 February in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, would strengthen cooperation between the two shores of the Mediterranean.
The Arab League is “the closest partner [of the EU] in terms of regional dimension, in terms of geography, history, culture”, she explained at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council, during which the ministers quickly prepared the EU/Arab League ministerial meeting of 4 February and the summit. According to a European source, this is the only region in the world with which the Union had never organised a summit.
"Cooperation already exists, common positions already exist and more cooperation, enhanced cooperation, can be a result of the summit. From political issues on which we must work together – from Libya to Syria – to thematic issues on which we need to cooperate”, the High Representative said, hoping that the summit would provide a good basis for strengthening this cooperation. Ms. Mogherini also mentioned issues such as the fight against terrorism, migration and opportunities for young people, particularly in North Africa. Trade and investment should also be addressed.
Upon their arrival at the Council, the Belgian and Luxembourg ministers also spoke out in favour of strengthening relations. “We must structure the relationship to provide the most common possible response on common issues”, said Belgian Minister Didier Reynders. Drawing a parallel with cooperation between the EU and the African Union, he added that the Union would try to do the same with other partners. For the Luxembourg Minister, Jean Asselborn, it is necessary to “learn a little from the other, with a lot of respect and partnership”. “We have to see what one can do for the other”, he said.
In addition, although the subject was not discussed at the meeting, several ministers expressed their views on Syria's return to the Arab League, considering that the decision belonged to the organisation's member countries. "Syria's return depends on the Arab League. We are ready to engage in dialogue with all countries in the Arab world”, said Romanian Minister Teodor Meleșcanu. For the Slovak Miroslav Lajčák, “it is up to the Arab countries to decide, we are not here to judge or comment”.
Another area of concern for Europeans is the presidency of the Arab League summit (see EUROPE 12175). While Saudi Arabia currently chairs the Arab League, Egypt, which is hosting the summit, is expected to co-chair it, together with the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk. The death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has damaged relations between Europeans and Saudis (see EUROPE 12160). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)