On Tuesday 10 October, representatives of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stressed the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the two organisations, at the end of their first joint Ministerial Council for 8 years.
“The changing geopolitical dynamics in the world mean that we need each other and a stronger partnership to tackle common challenges”, explained the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, at the end of the meeting in Muscat (Oman).
Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC, stressed the importance of “strengthening the strategic, practical and humanitarian partnership” between the two parties. In his view, this importance is growing in view of the major challenges facing international peace and security, the global economy, climate change and energy, food and water security.
According to Mr Borrell, there is also mutual interest in a strategic partnership on maritime security, cyber security, disaster preparedness and the fight against terrorism. He also announced the official launch of a regular and structured regional dialogue on security.
For his part, Mr Albudaiwi stressed the urgent need to deepen the dialogue on climate change.
The two sides also discussed strengthening trade relations and the India/Middle East/Europe economic corridor, “which promises a tremendous opportunity for growth, job creation and shared prosperity”, according to the High Representative (see EUROPE 13247/15).
The EU and the GCC also discussed ways of increasing and strengthening their cooperation in order to enhance the quality, quantity and effectiveness of their humanitarian aid.
Mr Borrell also called for greater interpersonal contact.
Finally, the ministerial meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the situation in the Middle East, condemning all attacks on civilians and calling for their protection (see other news), but also, in particular, Ukraine, Yemen and Sudan.
See the joint statement: https://aeur.eu/f/8zb (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)