GCC and EU seek stronger ties at high-level talks

Senior official looks for greater co-operation in energy, climate and security

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan are co-chairing the talks. Reuters

Senior EU and GCC officials have held talks in Brussels focused on deepening relationships between the blocs in a number of fields, including climate change, energy and security.

EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell, speaking in the Belgium capital ahead of the 26th EU-GCC ministerial meeting, highlighted the extensive economic links between the two regions. He also insisted that the EU “has to engage more” with the GCC.

“Our relationship has to be enhanced, and I think this is a good moment to do so. This is going to be the first step for a stronger and deeper relationship,” Mr Borrell said.

A post-summit joint statement said ministers had stressed the importance of joint action on climate change, protecting the environment and developing renewable energies. They also congratulated the UAE for its planned hosting of the UN climate conference Cop28 next year.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan co-chaired the talks with Mr Borrell.

“We have a strong relationship, especially on the economic side, but it’s important we continue these high-level consultations,” Prince Faisal said.

“We will, I’m sure, be talking about regional security, international peace. But also the agenda that is most important, which is international co-operation vis-a-vis climate change, energy security, but also just deepening the strong bonds and ties between our two collective blocs.”

The GCC and EU are also seeking to enhance relations on education, health and cybersecurity.

Mr Borrell said the EU was looking to appoint a special envoy for the Gulf, in part because of security issues and Iran.

“Not just because of energy, but because in this region the transition towards a green economy will be one of the most important aspects for us, for them, for the humankind,” he said.