Brussels: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi participated in an informal meeting of the European Union (EU) Political and Security Committee, following an official invitation from the committee chair and European External Action Service (EEAS) deputy political director Ambassador Delphine Pronk. The meeting took place today in the Belgian capital, Brussels, at EU headquarters.
According to Saudi Press Agency, in the opening of his speech, the GCC secretary-general noted that the session serves to enhance relations between the GCC and the EU. “This meeting follows the previous encounter in Riyadh at the General Secretariat of the GCC on November 25, 2024, and reaffirms our commitment to this growing strategic partnership,” he said. “These dialogues will contribute to promoting peace and prosperity in both regions, as the relationship between the two sides has become stronger than ever, based on a strategic consensus in diplomacy, security cooperation, and economic collaboration.”
Albudaiwi pointed out that the October 2024 joint statement from the GCC and the EU is a valuable testament to these deep relations. He called for continued close cooperation in resolving crises and preventing new ones, using joint diplomatic influence to enhance dialogue over conflict. He stressed the importance of developing trade and investment, leveraging initiatives such as the Joint Action Programme between the GCC and the EU to “diversify our economies and create job opportunities for our youth.”
Albudaiwi highlighted the necessity of intensifying cooperation in energy security and climate action, noting that the energy resources of the GCC countries and the green technologies of the EU can complement each other for a sustainable future. Moreover, he stressed the significance of activating cultural and educational cooperation that enriches our societies through mutual learning and strengthening the bonds of friendship that “make our partnership robust.”
The GCC chief addressed the issue of Schengen visa exemptions for GCC citizens, underscoring the need for tangible progress in this area. “The recent joint statement from the GCC-European Union summit reaffirmed both parties’ commitment to working towards a safe and beneficial visa-free travel arrangement between the GCC countries and the European Schengen Area,” he stated. Albudaiwi pointed out that high-level political support reflects “our shared” belief that facilitating travel is a “common interest” once the relevant criteria are met, and will enhance links between peoples and yield significant economic, cultural, and educational benefits for both sides.
Regarding the negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA) between the two sides, the secretary-general noted that one of the main components of the economic partnership is the ongoing dialogue surrounding the FTA among the GCC and the EU. “Despite the challenges faced in previous negotiations, both parties recognize the significant benefits that a comprehensive trade agreement would bring. Accordingly, senior negotiators from the GCC and the European Union have been engaged in renewed discussions to assess the situation and explore practical ways to revive the negotiations,” Albudaiwi said, affirming that the GCC region remains a key trade and investment partner for the EU, and vice versa.
He also reviewed regional diplomatic relations and mediation in crises, noting that the GCC and the EU have become close partners in conflict resolution and humanitarian efforts. This includes discussing the positions and perspectives of GCC member states on various regional and international issues, foremost among them the Palestinian cause and the tragic situation in Gaza. He commended the EU initiative to organize the Ninth Conference in Brussels on Syria and its success in garnering substantial international support and making significant commitments to assist the Syrian people.
Albudaiwi concluded by reiterating that the partnership between the GCC and the EU serves as a cornerstone for stability, cooperation, and shared prosperity. He stressed the need to continue working together to translate “our shared aspirations into tangible actions,’ ensuring that “our partnership not only addresses today’s challenges but also paves the way for a more stable and prosperous tomorrow for both the Gulf and Europe.”
