EU and GCC Set to Enhance Cooperation with First Leaders’ Level Summit in Brussels

BRUSSELS: The European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council are poised to deepen their strategic partnership with a series of high-level meetings and the first-ever summit at the leaders' level in Brussels, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell. The summit, involving top officials and leaders from both blocs, aims to advance cooperation across various fields including trade, security, and environmental sustainability. According to Kuwait News Agency, Josep Borrell emphasized the significance of the upcoming summit, indicating that it reflects the "growing dynamics and the positive dynamics" between the EU and the GCC. Borrell highlighted that the summit and ministerial meetings scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, will confirm the joint commitment at the highest political level to develop cooperation and a strategic partnership. The agenda will cover a broad spectrum of issues, from security to trade, and from green and digital transitions to connectivity and peopl e-to-people contacts. The discussions will also focus on pressing regional issues, including the situation in the Middle East, Iran, and the Horn of Africa. Borrell noted the proactive role of GCC countries as "good brokers in international affairs" and praised the value of cooperation on these critical dossiers. He also stated that both Gulf and EU countries share the same interest in working together towards a lasting and just peace in the Middle East. The summit will be co-chaired by President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and the Emir of Qatar, H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who currently serves as the rotating President of the GCC. This summit follows several significant interactions this year aimed at strengthening EU-GCC ties, including a structured security dialogue in Riyadh and a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation in Luxembourg. The leaders' summit and accompanying ministerial meetings will explore avenues for enhanced cooperation on global challenges, economi c cooperation, energy, sustainability, climate, connectivity, and fostering closer people-to-people ties. These events mark a significant step in reaffirming and advancing the strategic partnership between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.