GCCSG: The Joint GCC-EU Ministerial Meeting Next October Will Discuss Several Issues That Will Contribute to Strengthening Relations Between the Two Sides

His Excellency Mr. Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), confirmed that the joint GCC-European Union (EU) Ministerial Meeting next October will discuss several issues that will contribute to strengthening relations between the two sides and serve common interests.

This came during HE the Secretary General’s meeting with His Excellency Mr. Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Envoy for the Gulf Region, on Wednesday (July 12, 2023) at the headquarters of the General Secretariat in Riyadh.

At the beginning of the meeting, HE the Secretary congratulated HE Mr. Di Maio on his appointment to his new position as the EU Special Envoy to the GCC, wishing him success in his new position.

Furthermore, His Excellency stated that HE Mr. Di Maio conveyed the Union’s regret, rejection and condemnation of the incident of burning the Holy Quran in Sweden, and that the EU, in its statement issued on this incident, stressed that this incident does not in any way reflect the views of the Union.

His Excellency also mentioned that during the meeting, the agenda of the joint GCC-EU Ministerial Meeting to be held next October was discussed, stressing that the Cooperation Council and the EU are always striving to increase cooperation and develop relations between the two sides, based on the previously signed GCC-EU Partnership Agreement, adding that the appointment of HE Mr. Di Maio as the first EU Special Envoy to the GCC countries is a clear indication of this.