Brussels: Senior officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member countries and the European Union gathered for the 33rd Meeting of the EU-GCC Joint Cooperation Committee in Brussels. The meeting was co-chaired by Kuwait's Assistant Foreign Minister Najeeb Al-Bader and Helene Le Gal, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa region at the EU European External Action Service. Representatives from the GCC Secretariat and the European Commission were also in attendance.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the meeting served as a platform for both parties to discuss the progress in various aspects of their partnership. Al-Bader highlighted Kuwait's efforts in preparing for the 29th EU-GCC Ministerial Meeting and the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation, scheduled for October 5-6. Additionally, Kuwait is set to host the EU-GCC Business Forum on November 5, which aims to enhance partnerships in economic, commercial, and investment sectors.
The meeting's agenda covered topics related to political, economic, social, and security cooperation, as well as updates on free trade talks. Al-Bader emphasized the strong cooperation between GCC countries and their European counterparts. The GCC representatives also stressed the importance of strategic coordination in light of regional and international challenges to ensure the sustainability of development plans.
Al-Bader noted the need for joint initiatives in areas such as the digital economy, energy security, and green transformation. Furthermore, he expressed support for the Palestinian people's right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital and endorsed efforts toward achieving fair and permanent peace in the Middle East.