BRUSSELS, Nov 15 (KUNA) -- The Ambassador of Kuwait to the European Union (EU), NATO and Belgium, Jassem Al-Budaiwi, has praised the level of relations between the State of Kuwait and the EU, noting that the two sides enjoy strong relations at various levels.
This was expressed at a meeting hosted by the European Parliament's Delegation of Relations with the Arab Peninsula (DARP) with the heads of missions of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Yemen at the EP on Thursday evening.
Al-Budaiwi, in his intervention, stressed that Kuwait will continue to play its crucial role in supporting peace and security in the Middle East.
He also praised the statement of the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, in her press conference on Monday, November 11, following the meeting of EU foreign ministers, that all 28 EU member states welcome any initiative by Kuwait to defuse tensions and support peace and security in the Arab Gulf region.
Al-Budaiwi also underlined the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in building bridges between peoples and exchanging experiences and views among them.
He explained that the relations between the State of Kuwait and the European Parliament through DARP is a clear success story, allowing the two sides to exchange views and experiences in various fields.
He noted that with the start of the new EP, the opportunity is conducive to more effective political dialogue and cooperation.
On her part, Hannah Neumann, head of DARP, expressed her hope that a Kuwaiti parliamentary delegation would visit the European Parliament in Brussels next year.
Addressing the first regular meeting of DARP, she said that the Gulf region is both a challenge and an opportunity for the EU and for this parliament.
The EU should adopt a more active stance and continue and interpose its good offices in view for rapid and satisfactory solutions to the current conflicts in the region.
Gabriel Munuera Vinals, Head of the Arabian Peninsula and Regional Policies Section at the European External Action Service, said the EU has been on the side of the mediation initiative and the efforts of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.
He pointed out as evidence of deepening relations with Kuwait, the opening by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini of an EU Delegation in Kuwait last July.
He also noted that Kuwait has agreed in principle to start a human rights dialogue with the EU.
He said the EU's relationship with the Gulf region is deep rooted and multifaceted and he spoke of the positive momentum in EU-GCC relations in recent months, and stressed that the EU values the GCC as a stabilizing force and a close partner in the region. (end) nk.gta