A+ A-

European Parliament lauds His Highness Amir's efforts to appease tensions

European Parliament
European Parliament
BRUSSELS, Feb 15 (KUNA) -- A ten-member European Parliament delegation headed by chair of its Foreign Affairs Committee David McAllister made an unprecedented visit to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iran from 11-15 February. In Kuwait, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were received by His Highness the Crown Prince and praised its crucial role of mediator within the Gulf Cooperation Council, recalling the importance of maintaining its integrity and stability, said an EP press release Thursday.
During the visit, the MEPs congratulated Kuwait for hosting the Conference for the Reconstruction and Development of Iraq, saying it "sends a generous signal of reconciliation with its neighbor." The need for de-escalation of tensions between Riyadh and Teheran was underlined by Members in the three countries.
The EP delegation commended the role of the Amir of Kuwait His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah in trying to appease tensions.
In Saudi Arabia, the MEPs discussed the socio-economic situation in the Kingdom as well as political and security challenges in the region.
They held a fruitful exchange of views with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir, who stressed the importance of maintaining stability in the region.
The importance of EU-Saudi relations was also reaffirmed as well as the need to strengthen this relationship through a bilateral cooperation arrangement.
The cooperation between the EU and GCC was underlined during the meeting with GCC Secretary General, Dr Abdulatif Al-Zayani, and Members stressed the need to re-launch EU-GCC negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement. During meetings MEPs reiterated their strong support for the Iranian nuclear deal and their belief that it is crucial for regional stability. (end) nk.ibi