The High Representative of the Union and the European Commission called, on Wednesday 18 May, for a strengthening and deepening of cooperation between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its members (Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates and Qatar).
“Increasing trade and investment, fighting climate change, ensuring global health and energy security and a smooth green transition, meeting growing global development and humanitarian needs and promoting peace and stability and de-escalation of tensions in the broader region are all issues of strong mutual interest”, the Joint Communication stresses.
The Commission and the High Representative propose a partnership on six axes: prosperity, a green transition and sustainable energy security, regional stability and global security, global humanitarian aid and development, a partnership for the people and a stronger institutional one.
Several actions to strengthen cooperation are highlighted, including an annual political dialogue between the EU and the GCC and sectoral ministerial meetings, starting with the green transition and the coordination of humanitarian action.
Both sides intend to explore the possibilities of reaching a common understanding on possible negotiations for a trade agreement and on the possibility of negotiating bilateral partnership agreements with the six GCC member states. The early launch of technical discussions with the GCC countries still subject to visa requirements on visa-free travel is also proposed.
The Commission and the High Representative also advocate the appointment of an EU Special Representative for Gulf security and the intensification of human rights dialogues.
See the Joint Communication: https://aeur.eu/f/1pw (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)