Ambassador of Qatar to the European Union and NATO, H E Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Jehani Al Malki
Brussels: Ambassador of Qatar to the European Union and NATO, H E Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Al Jehani Al Malki (pictured), affirmed the significance of the first summit between Their Majesties and Highnesses leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and member states of the Euroean Union, due to take place in Brussels today.
Speaking to QNA, the Ambassador said the first-ever summit at the level of GCC and EU leaders since the establishment of official relations between the two sides marks a historical milestone in the path of strategic partnership between the GCC countries and the European Union, and reflects the joint commitment to bolstering the relations, in light of the growing regional and international challenges and the prevailing atmosphere of wars and geopolitical conflicts.
He said that the summit will address many pressing issues on the regional and international scene, including security and stability in the Middle East and geopolitical conflicts, as well as trade, investment, combating climate change, industry, energy security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other topics related to innovation and scientific research.
Al Malki said that the deliberations will also touch on reducing carbon emissions, the transition to a green economy, combating terrorism, and other issues related to peoples’ dealing, most notably the European Union entry visa “Schengen”, His Excellency explained. He said regional issues of mutual interest to the GCC and EU will be strongly present during the summit. Their Majesties and Highnesses leaders of the GCC and the EU countries will discuss aspects of cooperation and unifying visions on many issues, in a bid to develop a vision and an end to the crises in the region.
The GCC-EU summit will address all regional and international issues. The joint communique is expected to cover all the issues and conflicts currently taking place in the international community; and the outcomes of the summit will be built upon in order to strengthen the relationship between the GCC countries and the European Union, and transform the files discussed into future projects and visions, the Ambassador indicated. He said GCC countries are in constant contact with the European Union through joint meetings throughout the year, such as bilateral committees, political consultations, visits of senior officials, and other economic and trade meetings.
Al Malki said the global economy is facing many difficulties as a result of the wars in the Middle East and the world, and that political stability is reflected on the economic growth of each country. Therefore, the State of Qatar is keen on peace, security, political solutions and negotiations as a basis for resolving crises, because any economic stability is based on political stability. He expected the participants in the upcoming summit would come out with a strong joint communique that would send a message to the international community that crises must be resolved.
