GCC-EU Summit Sees Kuwait’s Prime Minister Advocate for Stronger Ties and Regional Stability

KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, representing His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, emphasized the potential of the first GCC-EU Summit to significantly enhance relations between Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states and European Union (EU) countries. The summit underscored the mutual desire to expand cooperation and strategize on numerous global and regional issues. According to Kuwait News Agency, His Highness Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah addressed the summit on Wednesday, highlighting the event as a historic opportunity to strengthen the partnership between the GCC and EU. He expressed hope for progress in negotiations on a free trade treaty, aiming to establish a comprehensive framework for cooperation. The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of facing challenges together and enhancing strategic partnerships. The summit provided a platform for His Highness the Prime Minister to outline the shared goals of security, stability , and mutual respect at both regional and international levels. He reiterated Kuwait's commitment, as the chair of the GCC at the end of 2024, to coordinate closely with European partners on all matters of joint concern. In his speech, His Highness also touched upon the relationship with Iraq, urging Baghdad to address unresolved issues such as maritime border demarcation and the status of prisoners and missing persons, in accordance with international laws. He emphasized the importance of dialogue based on mutual respect and understanding. Furthermore, the Prime Minister condemned the ongoing air strikes by Israel and called for their immediate cessation to avoid further regional and global instability. He reaffirmed Kuwait's support for the Palestinian cause and the recognition of the State of Palestine by some European countries earlier this year. His Highness concluded by advocating for collective efforts to support humanitarian and relief activities in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas, under scoring the need for peaceful resolution of conflicts and adherence to international law.