29/07/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European External Action Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates (MOFAIC) held their first meeting of senior officials under the cooperation agreement signed on 31 January 2018 (see EUROPE 11952/16) on 26 July, in Brussels. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and regional issues of joint interest, including the situation in the Gulf. “Both sides underlined their determination to continue their cooperation to promote peace, stability and lasting solutions to existing conflicts”, said the EEAS in a statement. In addition, the exchange explored ways in which to improve sectoral cooperation and coordination in areas of mutual interest. To this end, both sides confirmed their joint intention to establish thematic working groups. (CG)