MUSCAT: A number of regional and international officials stressed the importance of the 27th session of the GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council which is hosted by the Sultanate of Oman and debates several topics including security, economy and renewable energy.
Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union (EU) for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Vice-President of the European Commission, emphasized the importance of the 27th session of the GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council which, he said, comes at a time when the European continent and the Middle East region are witnessing pivotal events with the continuation of the Russian-Ukrainian war and the current escalation between Israelis and Palestinians.
Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, stressed the importance of the 27th session of the GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council in building bridges of communication and enhancing cooperation between the GCC and the European Union.
He added that the session constitutes an opportunity for the two parties to discuss current issues that have a direct impact on both sides such as the Russian-Ukrainian war and the escalation between the Israelis and the Palestinians, indicating that the meeting will discuss sustainable solutions to all regional and international issues.
In the same context, Shaikh Ahmed bin Hashel al Maskari, Head of the GCC and Regional Neighbourhoods Department at the Foreign Ministry, stressed the importance of the 27th session of the GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council, which is hosted by the Sultanate of Oman, especially that it is being held at a critical time given the events currently taking place in Gaza.
He added in a statement that the meeting discusses several political and economic issues and the climate change topic.
Al Maskari pointed out that the meeting addresses bilateral cooperation between the GCC and the European Union, adding that it addresses the issues of Iraq, Iran, Ukraine and Yemen.
Ru’aa bint Issa bin al Zadjalliyah, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to the Kingdom of Belgium and non-resident Ambassador to the European Union and the European Commission, said that the meeting represents an opportunity to enhance strategic cooperation between the GCC and the European Union.
She added that the meeting will discuss several topics including regional security, renewable energy, and green hydrogen as well as humanitarian aid, explaining that the issue of Yemen will be discussed as part of the regional security agenda in addition to humanitarian aid noting that there is an agreement on its delivery. She pointed out that the European stance is clarified by statements made by some officials on social media. — ONA
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