Brussels, 28/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - The joint EU and the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council, which brings together Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, United Arab emirates, Oman and Qatar) will be participating in next Monday's Joint Cooperation Council in Doha, Qatar for the 13th session, which was set up by the agreement of June 1988. As well as assessing the progress in cooperation and the projects set up in this field, the two groups will also examine recent developments in the gulf and Europe (Iraq, enlargement, the Euro etc.). They will also be looking at the possibility of setting up an EU delegation in Riyadh, the HQ of the GCC.
The essential part of the discussions will focus on political aspects - Iraq and the Middle East, the relationship between each side with Iran. The delegations will also tackle the issue of the fight against terrorism, civil rights and weapons of mass destruction. The two parties are also expected to affirm their determination to support efforts for creating a zone in the Middle East (that can be verified), which is de-nuclearised and exempt from arms of mass destruction, including launching systems. The formula has been put forward by the Europeans and the GCC countries are supporting the consistent position of the Arab countries that include Israel in this, which is considered to have nuclear weapons.
The following day, the two groups will again begin negotiations for concluding a free trade agreement.