EU, Gulf countries' summit elevates cooperation amid global crises

By Merve Berker

The first-ever EU and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit concluded Wednesday with a significant commitment to strengthening cooperation in trade, energy and regional security, despite diverging views on key geopolitical issues.

At the landmark summit, Josep Borrell, the EU’s foreign policy chief, emphasized the historical significance of the meeting, calling it a "powerful message" to the world that the EU and the GCC are ready to build a strategic partnership for the 21st century.

He highlighted that while both regions face challenges, they have taken "another important step" to elevate their partnership.

The summit saw leaders discuss trade, energy, climate change and security, with a focus on addressing "current political challenges" such as Russia's war in Ukraine and escalating conflicts in the Middle East.

"Although we don't have the same positions on every issue, on many we see eye to eye," Borrell noted, recognizing areas of agreement while acknowledging differences.

He added that Russia's aggression has global repercussions, particularly in food security and energy markets, and commended the GCC for its diplomatic efforts in Ukraine, including brokering prisoner exchanges.

Russia launched a "special military operation" against Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022.

- Qatar's emir urges cease-fire, two-state solution for Middle East

Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, also underscored the significance of the summit, especially as it marked a pivotal moment in EU-GCC relations.

He praised the "high level of representation" at the summit and reiterated the importance of cooperation in energy and transportation, calling it a "momentous" occasion for both regions.

"All the leaders are seeing eye to eye on many of those topics," he said, stressing the shared goal of strengthening relations for a better future.

Addressing the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, Al Thani urged an "immediate cease-fire" and condemned the ongoing violence.

He stressed the importance of a two-state solution for the Middle East, echoing the collective stance of the summit on regional stability.

"The only way forward for the conflicts in the Middle East is implementing the two-state solution," Al Thani said, adding that the humanitarian situation in Palestine and Lebanon demands urgent action.

Israel launched a brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip following a Hamas attack last year, killing more than 42,400 people, mostly women and children, and injuring over 99,000 others.

The conflict has spread to Lebanon, with Israel launching deadly strikes across that country, which have killed more than 1,500 people and injured over 4,500 since Sept. 23.

Despite international warnings that the Middle East was on the brink of a regional war amid Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv expanded the conflict by launching a ground incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1.

- GCC chief hails diplomatic success, eyes Schengen visa waivers

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, the secretary-general of the GCC, expressed gratitude to the EU and GCC leadership, hailing the summit as one of the "most successful" in recent years.

He highlighted the joint communique as a reflection of the diplomatic success of the summit, covering areas such as trade, investment, security and multilateralism.

"It reflects diplomacy at its best," Albudaiwi remarked, emphasizing the strategic importance of aligning the two regions.

In addition to cooperation on trade and energy, Albudaiwi pointed out negotiations for Schengen visa waivers for GCC nationals, a key priority discussed at the summit.

"The presence of GCC citizens in Europe is a positive presence," he noted, emphasizing the economic and cultural contributions of the region’s nationals to Europe.

-Beginning of new chapter in bilateral relations

The EU and GCC leaders stressed that it was the beginning of a new chapter in relations as the summit concluded.

Borrell referred to the agreement as "a significant milestone" and reiterated the importance of reinforcing the partnership in the face of global challenges.

While acknowledging differences in perspective, particularly on the conflict in Ukraine, the leaders remain committed to shared principles of international law and stability.

The summit laid the groundwork for future cooperation, with plans for a second summit in Riyadh in 2026 and continued high-level meetings.

"This summit opens a new, more ambitious chapter in our cooperation for a better future for both regions," said Borrell.