Gulf chief calls for ‘upgrade’ in diplomatic relation with the EU

The conflict that has gripped the Middle East, and seen Gulf nations come under Iranian attack, has brought the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the EU into an “even closer relationship”, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi has told Euronews.

The war has also prompted Gulf countries to “upgrade” their partnerships with many “true and trusted friends, including the EU”, the Secretary-General added, signalling an interest in expanding cooperation with the bloc.

“We need to do more to strengthen our partnerships with many of our trusted friends, such as the EU. How can we reinforce these relationships? Which areas should we prioritise? Do we need new forms of cooperation? Should we open additional channels?” Albudaiwi said in an interview.

The six GCC member states have come under Iranian drone and missile attacks since the war between the US and Israel and Iran broke out in late February.

This has prompted a significant reassessment of the Gulf countries’ approach to defence and security.

In March, three Gulf states signed 10-year defence agreements with Ukraine, covering areas such as maritime drones, electronic warfare and interception technologies, in a bid to draw on Kyiv’s experience in countering Russian drone and missile attacks.

Albudaiwi emphasised that stability in the region is “a key pillar of international peace and security”.

He added that the conflict has underscored the need for deeper cooperation within the GCC, particularly in military, security and economic fields.

This week, António Costa visited the Gulf region, while the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, travelled there last week.

Costa reaffirmed the EU’s strategic partnerships with Gulf states and called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, warning of “disastrous consequences” if disruption continues.

The GCC and the EU signed a Cooperation Agreement in 1989. Collaboration across areas such as the economy and climate policy was strengthened in 2022, including, for the first time, the appointment of an EU Special Envoy for the Gulf region.

A longer version of this interview will be broadcast on “12 minutes with…” on Thursday, 16 April, at 13.15 CET