Kuwait city: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi emphasized the robust strategic partnership between the GCC and the European Union during a recent ministerial meeting. This partnership is rooted in mutual respect and shared interests, initially established through a cooperation agreement in 1988. The principles of this partnership were further solidified by their first joint summit held late last year, underscoring nearly four decades of collaborative efforts to address mutual priorities and objectives.
According to Saudi Press Agency, Albudaiwi underscored the significance of the 29th Joint Ministerial Council meeting between the GCC and the European Union, held in the State of Kuwait. This meeting is particularly noteworthy as the first ministerial-level gathering between the two sides following the inaugural Gulf-European Summit.
Albudaiwi highlighted the GCC's commitment to implementing the outcomes of the summit, which provide a roadmap for enhanced cooperation. The summit's objectives include boosting economic partnership, trade, and investment exchanges; expanding collaboration in energy and the green transition; developing political consultations and security cooperation; tackling global challenges like climate change; resolving conflicts; and strengthening ties between the peoples of the two regions.
The secretary-general also expressed a desire to develop practical measures for achieving a full visa exemption between the Schengen Area and the GCC countries. This initiative aims to simplify travel procedures and open new avenues for trade, investment, and cultural exchanges.
He mentioned two proposals from the GCC General Secretariat to the EU, including the organization of the first Energy Forum and a forum on the digital economy and digital trade, in coordination with the upcoming European presidency, Cyprus, the GCC, and the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Albudaiwi expressed optimism that these initiatives will enhance the Gulf-European partnership, yielding tangible results and strengthening the strategic alliance between the regions.