GCC-EU Summit Finds Common Ground on Middle East Issues, Calls for Ceasefire

Brussels: The first ever GCC-EU Summit closed on a high note with leaders from both regions finding common ground on several critical issues, including the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, according to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. The summit underscored the importance of a two-state solution and the urgent need for ceasefire agreements to address the escalating violence in the Middle East. According to Kuwait News Agency, Sheikh Mohammad emphasized the consensus among the leaders during a press conference following the summit. He highlighted the summit's timing amidst sensitive global conflicts and praised the commitment to reinforcing the strategic partnership between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU). The Qatari Prime Minister appreciated the EU's High Representative for External Relations, Josep Borrell, for his support and explicit call for a ceasefire in Gaza, describing his stance as "very frank and supportive." Sheikh Mohammad also advocated for an end to the conflict in Lebanon, urging for restoration of confidence in the Lebanese government and bolstered support for the state's armed forces. Additionally, he acknowledged the role of GCC countries in mediating and addressing humanitarian concerns in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Josep Borrell described the summit as an ambitious step towards fostering a better future between the GCC and EU regions. He expressed that the summit delivered a strong message globally about the consensus on building a strategic partnership for the twenty-first century. Jasem Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, also hailed the summit's final statement as an excellent outcome. He noted the success of the summit in aligning the perspectives of the two regions more closely. Discussions at the summit also included detailed talks on exempting Gulf citizens from the Schengen visa requirement, marking a significant step towards easing travel between the regions.