Kuwait city: Secretary General of the GCC Jassem Al-Budaiwi stated that the 29th GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Meeting underscored the depth of partnership since the two sides signed the cooperation agreement in 1988.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Al-Budaiwi, in his speech at the meeting held in Kuwait, affirmed that the first meeting in Brussels late last year had established a roadmap for future cooperation. Both parties are committed to reinforcing economic and commercial partnerships and bolstering cooperation in energy, green transformation, and other sectors. Al-Budaiwi emphasized the GCC's eagerness to expand ties within the diplomatic domain, particularly through the mutual visa waiver scheme for the Schengen Area, which could enhance commerce, tourism, and cultural exchange.
Al-Budaiwi disclosed that the GCC Secretariat proposed organizing the first forum on energy with the European side, as well as a forum on digital commerce in coordination with the Cypriot Presidency of the EU. He stressed the importance of resolving conflicts through diplomacy and peaceful means to achieve development and stability.
The GCC Secretary General condemned the recent attack by the Israeli occupation on Qatar, labeling it a violation of international law and expressing the GCC's support for Qatar. On the Palestinian issue, Al-Budaiwi reiterated its centrality to the GCC, emphasizing the need for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to ensure humanitarian aid delivery.
He praised the efforts of France and Saudi Arabia in seeking a political solution for an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Al-Budaiwi also commended the emergency financial sustainability coalition for Palestine, involving EU countries, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the UK, as a positive step toward resolving the Middle East conflict.
Welcoming the US President Donald Trump's plan for the Gaza Strip, he expressed GCC support for international efforts to end the humanitarian crisis there. He reiterated his rejection of the Israeli occupation's actions against the Palestinian people, citing violations of international laws.
Regarding Syria, Al-Budaiwi welcomed the Syrian government's announcement of a roadmap to resolve the crisis in Al-Suwaida, applauding US and Jordanian efforts. On the Ukraine war, he called for respecting national sovereignty.
Al-Budaiwi also announced that the GCC and Ukraine had agreed on a 2025-2030 cooperation plan to expand collaboration across various fields. He concluded with hopes that the GCC-EU partnership would enhance regional security and promote stability and prosperity.