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EU, GCC officials hold political dialogue to strengthen ties

Kuwaiti ambassador to EU Dharar Razzooqi with the GCC ambassador Amal Al Hamad
Kuwaiti ambassador to EU Dharar Razzooqi with the GCC ambassador Amal Al Hamad

BRUSSELS, April 9 (KUNA) -- Senior officials from the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the 28-member European Union (EU) began here Wednesday their 20th round of political dialogue.
Dhirar Abdulrazzak Razooqi, Kuwait''''s ambassador to the EU, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) ahead of the meeting that they will discuss regional issues like Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen and Palestine, as well as the global issues of terrorism and piracy.
"We want to reach a common understanding with the EU on these issues and to develop a strong and privileged partnership," he said.
Razooqi is chairing the meeting on behalf of the GCC side, as Kuwait holds the current GCC presidency.
The EU side is led by Hugues Mingarelli, Managing Director for Middle East and Southern Neighbourhood in the EU''''s External Action Service.
Mingarelli voiced hope that they will have "a fruitful dialogue" today with the GCC side. (end) nk.hb