BRUSSELS: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has underscored that the European Union (EU) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are embarking on a new phase of strategic partnership, with the security and prosperity of both regions becoming interconnected and intertwined, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
In her speech at the opening of the first summit between the GCC and the EU in Brussels, she said that this historic summit shows both sides’ view of each other as strategic partners cooperating to build a shared future. She said that there can be no economic growth without security.
She called for diplomatic efforts to “de-escalate the dangerous situation” in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for an immediate truce in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and the protection of civilian lives, according to the SPA. She reiterated the European Union’s resolve to supporting peace efforts and achieving a two-state solution, the SPA added.
On the topic of environmental sustainability, Ursula von der Leyen stressed that the EU and the GCC could not realize their shared vision for sustainable development without sustainable resources. She underlined the need for “advanced technologies to support clean technology, and with the support of the GCC, we can meet these demands responsibly.”
She also hailed Gulf-European cooperation in investment and trade, which she described as the “backbone” of their partnership. She also noted the need to build more strategic links in areas such as trade, energy, technology and innovation, including artificial intelligence (AI). She also stressed the importance of coordinating efforts to resolve common challenges.
