GCC Secretary-General: EU-GCC Summit Enhances Growth, Stability and Prosperity Prospects

HE GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi affirmed that the convening of the first GCC-EU Summit at the EU headquarters in Brussels reflects the strategic partnership between the GCC and the EU. His Excellency added that this summit underscores the ongoing friendship and cooperation between the two regions, aiming to enhance opportunities for growth, prosperity, and stability.

In his speech at the summit, Al Budaiwi highlighted that this significant event demonstrates the shared commitment of the GCC and the EU to deepen political and economic ties that align with their mutual goals and elevate their strategic partnership across various domains, including political coordination, energy cooperation, and academic, health, and cultural exchanges.

The Secretary-General reviewed the state of trade relations, noting that the trade volume between the GCC and the EU exceeded $204 billion in 2022, representing around 13% of the GCC’s total trade in goods. GCC exports to the EU reached $106 billion, while imp
orts amounted to approximately $98 billion.

His Excellency said that in terms of direct GCC investments in the EU and European investments in GCC countries, both regions have become attractive investment destinations, offering substantial opportunities alongside economic and political stability. He added that total direct investments in both regions were in the hundreds of billions of dollars across strategic sectors like energy, environment, transportation, construction, real estate, and tourism.

His Excellency further emphasized that, despite these significant figures, the partnership between the GCC and the EU holds a lot of potential for achieving higher levels of trade, economic, political, and security integration, as well as fostering closer connections between their peoples. He expressed confidence that this historic summit would propel the wheel of integration forward, fulfilling the aspirations of both regions.

HE Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), emphasized at the first GC
C-European Union Summit the need for continuous consultation and collective action to address global threats and challenges. He stressed that ongoing cooperation across all areas is essential to achieve security, growth, and stability for both regions and the world.

In his address, Al Budaiwi highlighted the suffering of civilians in Gaza under the ongoing conflict with Israel, underscoring the GCC’s longstanding stance for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire. He called for unrestricted humanitarian aid access and firmly rejected the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza, emphasizing adherence to international and humanitarian law. He urged collective action to halt the conflict and press Israel to allow humanitarian aid to reach the Palestinian people.

HE the Secretary-General pointed to the escalation in Palestinian territories and Lebanon and the disruption in the Red Sea, where commercial vessels have been targeted. This has strained supply chains, resulting in significant losses for importing a
nd exporting nations and driving up consumer prices. He reiterated the importance of de-escalation, restraint, and diplomatic dialogue to avoid further regional and global instability.

Al Budaiwi affirmed that reviving the Middle East peace process and realizing the aspirations of the Palestinian people through the establishment of an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders, is the only path to regional stability. He highlighted the GCC’s ongoing efforts to resolve the crises in Gaza and the broader Palestinian territories, noting the critical roles of Saudi Arabia and Qatar through continuous international coordination, including the ministerial committee led by Saudi Arabia as established by the extraordinary Arab Islamic summit.

He also reiterated support for the Saudi-led international coalition initiative for a two-state solution, involving Arab, Islamic, and European partners, aligning with UN resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Turning to Ukraine, Al Bu
daiwi reiterated the GCC’s commitment to international law principles and the UN Charter, particularly the respect for national sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-interference in internal affairs, and abstention from force or threats. He commended the efforts by GCC states, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, in facilitating dialogue, working toward a political resolution, and arranging prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine.

In conclusion, Al Budaiwi expressed hope and confidence that this historic summit would serve as a stepping stone for deeper GCC-EU cooperation, enhancing stability and prosperity in both regions and globally. He noted the promising future for GCC-EU relations, with significant potential to meet the shared aspirations for economic, political, and security integration and to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.

Source: Qatar News Agency