The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Jasem Albudaiwi, held a series of meetings with EU officials in Belgium on Tuesday about ways to strengthen Gulf-European relations and cooperation in efforts to address regional issues.
During a session at the EU headquarters in Brussels with members of the EU Political and Security Committee, including its chairperson Delphine Pronk, Albudaiwi reviewed the strength and depth of the cooperation between the GCC and the EU at all levels.
“He stressed the great importance that the two sides attach to moving forward toward coordination in many security files, particularly ongoing commercial, economic and political relations,” the GCC said.
“These relations stem from a solid foundation represented by the alignment of views on various bilateral, regional and international issues.”
Albudaiwi also highlighted what he described as the continuous development of economic, trade and investment ties.
The discussions on Tuesday included “an extensive and in-depth exchange of views” on several regional and international issues, including the crisis in the Gaza Strip, officials said. On that issue the topics discussed included efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory, accelerate the delivery of aid, achieve a lasting ceasefire, and address crimes against Palestinians.
The pursuit of a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause was also discussed and Albudaiwi stressed the important need for the international community to implement laws and resolutions to help achieve a two-state solution.
On broader issues, Albudaiwi stressed to the Europeans the important need for them to consider granting citizens of GCC member countries an exemption from the Schengen visa scheme to make it easier for them to travel.
He welcomed the support he said has been shown by members of the committee for such an exemption, which he said reflected the status with which GCC countries are regarded in the EU, and the distinguished relationship between the blocs.
Such a move would reflect “the commitment expressed by the EU in its statement about its view of the best ways to develop the strategic partnership between the two sides, issued by the European Commission in May 2022,” he added.
“It is believed that this would represent an important step toward strengthening the strategic partnership between the two sides and clearly reflects the spirit of cooperation between the GCC countries and the EU.”
Source: Arab News
