EU, GCC ministers review "fruitful progress" in strategic partnership

BRUSSELS, Feb 22 (KUNA) -- The European Union (EU) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC ) reviewed the fruitful progress in the strategic partnership between the two blocs and stressed the importance of continuing to strengthen relations between both sides in light of regional challenges, in order to be a strong and effective basis for regional and international security and stability.
This was stated in the Co-Chairs' Statement released Tuesday following the 26th Session of the GCC-EU Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting held in Brussels on Monday.
The 19-point statement noted that the Ministers agreed on the importance of enhancing relations between the GCC and the EU in a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, regional security, counterterrorism, trade and investment, energy, climate change, education, health and cybersecurity and to strengthen coordination in multilateral fora.
To this effect, they endorsed a Joint Cooperation program for the period 2022-2027. They affirmed that this partnership contributes to deepening mutual trust, achieving common interests, and maintaining regional and international security.
The Ministers stressed the importance of promoting joint action in combating climate change, protecting the environment and developing renewable energies.
The Ministers exchanged views on issues of common interest, including the Middle East Peace Process, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Afghanistan. They stressed the strategic importance of close coordination between the GCC and the EU in this regard.
The Ministers stressed the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation in Yemen, agree on a ceasefire without preconditions, and reach a political resolution to the conflict through negotiations facilitated by the UN, based on the GCC Initiative and its implementation mechanism, the outcomes of Yemen's National Dialogue Conference, and UN Security Council Resolution 2216. They underscored the importance of Saudi Arabia's initiative for a ceasefire and political solution in Yemen.
The Ministers expressed their condemnation in the strongest terms of the terrorist attacks launched by the Houthi militia using missiles and drones against the UAE and the KSA, and expressed support for peaceful solutions for Yemen. They reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.
The Ministers reiterated their concern at the lack of progress towards resolving the dispute between the UAE and Iran over the three islands Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb. They reiterated their support for a peaceful settlement of this dispute in accordance with international law, either through direct negotiations between the parties or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice.
The Ministers condemned the proliferation of ballistic missiles and drone systems used in hundreds of attacks against civilians, civilian infrastructure and the Global Coalition Against the so-called Islamic State (IS).
The Ministers addressed the Iran nuclear talks in Vienna and stressed that a full and effective implementation of the JCPOA can contribute to comprehensive and lasting efforts to ensure that the Gulf region remains permanently free of nuclear weapons and help address other regional issues.
The Ministers agreed on the importance of continued common international efforts to enhance stability and prosperity in Iraq, prevent the spread of violent extremism in the country, including (IS), and improve prospects for economic recovery, and energy independence.
The Ministers expressed their concern regarding the humanitarian and economic crisis in Afghanistan, and agreed on the importance to urgently respond to the needs of the Afghan people, including refugees and displaced persons.
On Syria, the Ministers expressed their deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation. They agreed on the need to provide basic life-saving assistance in all areas of Syria, as part of the implementation of the UN Humanitarian Response Plan.
Regarding Lebanon, the Ministers viewed positively the resumption of regular meetings of the Council of Ministers of Lebanon and urged expeditious and effective decisions by the Lebanese Government to initiate direly needed reforms that would enable a quick conclusion of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
On the Middle East Peace Process, the Ministers called for de-escalation in Jerusalem and reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, based on 1967 lines and UNSC resolutions 242, 338, 2334 and other relevant UN resolutions, Jerusalem as the shared capital of both states, and a just and fair settlement for refugees.
They reiterated the importance of sustained financial support for UNRWA.
On Libya, the Ministers re-affirmed their support for the UN efforts to hold free, fair, inclusive and credible presidential and parliamentary elections.
GCC and EU Ministers agreed to hold their next meeting in 2023 in the GCC region.
The EU delegation at the ministerial council was headed by EU High Representative Josep Borrell and the GCC delegation was headed by Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chairman of the current session of the Ministerial Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The meeting was attended by EU and GCC Foreign Ministers, in addition to Dr. Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajraf Secretary-General of the GCC. (end) nk.bb