Barcelona: The 10th Regional Forum of the Union for the Mediterranean has officially commenced, bringing together member states to engage in discussions addressing the pressing challenges facing the region. The forum is held under the theme 'together for a stronger Mediterranean partnership.'
According to Kuwait News Agency, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares extended a welcome to the participating countries. The event is notably taking place as part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the Barcelona Process, a significant initiative that has reinforced Euro-Mediterranean dialogue and cooperation over the years.
The forum is jointly chaired by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas, alongside Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Al-Safadi. The gathering aims to adopt a new strategic vision for the Union for the Mediterranean, focusing on key areas such as education, skills, dialogue, climate resilience, and water and energy security.
Based in Barcelona, the Union for the Mediterranean is an international governmental institution comprising all European Union members and 16 countries from the southern and eastern Mediterranean. It serves as a platform to enhance regional cooperation and dialogue, as well as to implement projects and initiatives for the benefit of the citizens of member states.
The co-chairing of the EU and Jordan highlights the collaborative spirit of the union, which was established by 43 Euro-Mediterranean heads of state and government at the Paris Summit in July 2008.