Brussels, Belgium— The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union have held talks in Brussels in order to enhance relations between the two blocs.
In this connection, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), today held a discussion session with members of the European Union (EU) Political and Security Committee, in the presence of Delphine Pronk, Chair of the Committee, at the EU headquarters in the Belgian capital, Brussel.
The Secretary-General reviewed the strong and deep aspects of cooperation between the GCC and the EU at all levels. He stressed the great importance that the two sides attach to moving forward towards coordination in many security files, particularly ongoing commercial, economic, and political relations. He said that these relations stem from a solid foundation represented by the alignment of views on various bilateral, regional, and international issues.
He noted to the effective and continuous joint work on all vital files related to bilateral cooperation. He highlighted the distinction of bilateral cooperation between the two sides in the sectors of economy, trade, and investment, which is witnessing continuous development between the two parties.
He explained that the discussions witnessed an extensive and in-depth exchange of views on a group of regional and international issues, including the crisis in the Gaza Strip. He mentioned that the efforts made to mitigate its humanitarian repercussions, accelerate the introduction of relief aid, ceasefire, crimes committed against the Palestinians, and find a comprehensive and just solution to the Palestinian cause were also discussed.
He once again stressed the importance of the international community playing its role in implementing international laws and resolutions to achieve the two-state solution and find a comprehensive and just solution to this issue.
Regarding bilateral relations, he explained that he conveyed to the European side the importance of considering exempting citizens of the GCC countries from the Schengen visa and facilitating travel procedures for them. He said that this is a translation of 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.
The Secretary-General also stated that it is believed that this would represent an important step towards strengthening the strategic partnership between the two sides and clearly reflects the spirit of cooperation between the GCC countries and the EU.
He welcomed the support shown by the members of the committee towards the issue of exempting GCC citizens from the Schengen visa, indicating that this matter reflects the distinguished relations and international status of the GCC countries in the EU.
The Secretary-General reiterated his hope that the discussion session that took place with the EU Political and Security Committee will contribute to accelerating the ongoing work process to exempt citizens of the GCC countries from the Schengen visa, which requires a series of long procedures on the European side.
