EU: We Are Committed to Enhancing Cooperation with Gulf Countries

Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. In a statement following his meeting with the GCC foreign ministers during the United Nations General Assembly meetings in New York on Wednesday, he highlighted the European determination to bolster collaboration on regional and international issues. He added that dialogue between the two sides focuses on strategic matters of mutual interest, including the digital economy and clean environment. He noted that a European-Gulf ministerial meeting will be held in Saudi Arabia next year. Regarding the changes occurring in the Gulf region, he described them as positive, affirming that they have contributed to reducing tensions overall in the area. It is worth mentioning that the EU has repeatedly stated that it shares the Gulf countries’ concerns about regional security, particularly regarding Iran and its nuclear file. Earlier this month (September 2021), Borrell, in statements to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath, confirmed that the Gulf countries are witnessing significant developments on all fronts, affirming that the EU is deepening its relationship with them. He also indicated that EU countries are coordinating with the Gulf on regional security.