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Daily Tribune
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Gulf-EU Relations in Key Parliamentary Meeting
TDT | Manama Bahrain's Speaker of the Parliament, Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam, has underlined the Kingdom's commitment—under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, to deepening ties between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Union. His remarks came during a high-level parliamentary meeting held in Abu Dhabi on Monday, where Gulf parliamentary leaders met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola. In his speech, Al-Musallam highlighted the importance of expanding cooperation between the two regions across political, economic, legislative, and security fronts. He stressed that enhanced parliamentary dialogue would help build stronger bridges of understanding and lead to more effective partnerships, including modern initiatives in digital transformation and sustainable supply chains. 'Stronger parliamentary ties mean more meaningful cooperation,' Al-Musallam said. 'This includes working towards a balanced and effective free trade agreement between the GCC and the European Union.' He noted that the Gulf countries have proven their ability to deliver on key development goals—whether in economic growth, regional security, or promoting human rights, tolerance, and youth empowerment. These are values, he said, that align closely with those of the European Union, opening new doors for collaboration. Reflecting on the first-ever GCC-EU summit held in Brussels last October, Al-Musallam described it as a historic milestone that set the stage for a new era of partnership. 'We are here today to build on that foundation,' he said. 'This meeting is an opportunity to push forward with joint efforts to tackle global challenges and advance shared priorities.' Touching on current regional crises, Al-Musallam expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and urgent international action to deliver aid and support a two-state solution for lasting peace. He also warned of the broader risks posed by recent Israeli strikes on Iran, saying such escalations could destabilize the entire region, threaten global energy markets, and endanger maritime routes. He urged the international community to act swiftly to de-escalate tensions. 'Only through diplomacy and dialogue can we hope to reach peaceful solutions that respect international law and the sovereignty of all nations,' Al-Musallam stated. 'Military escalation will only bring more instability and suffering.' The Bahraini delegation to the meeting included MP Ahmed Sabah Al-Salloom, Shura Council member Ijlal Isa Bubshait, and Secretary-General of the House of Representatives Mohammed Al-Sisi Al-Buainain, who also serves as Secretary of the Parliamentary Division's Executive Committee. This gathering marks another step in strengthening the role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing regional and international issues, reinforcing Bahrain's active role in promoting peace, cooperation, and mutual progress.
Kuwait Times
07-05-2025
- Business
- Kuwait Times
EU-Kuwait ties ‘outstanding'
KUWAIT: The Assistant Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Ambassador Sadiq Marafi, praised Kuwait's strong relationship with the European Union, describing the ties as 'outstanding.' On the sidelines of the Europe Day celebration held on Tuesday, Marafi emphasized the depth of cooperation in a range of sectors, highlighting recent milestones in Gulf-EU cooperation, notably the first GCC-EU summit in Brussels last October and Kuwait's upcoming hosting of the 29th ministerial meeting between the two blocs this October. He expressed optimism for a bilateral economic agreement, particularly a free trade deal, described as a gateway to 'new horizons' in economic and strategic cooperation. For her part, the EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen, reflected on Europe's transformation since the 1950 Schuman Declaration, saying 'After being the battleground for two world wars, we learned that cooperation and interconnected societies are the only path to lasting peace, prosperity, and progress.' EU Ambassador to Kuwait, Anne Koistinen The EU ambassador underscored the EU's commitment to promoting a rules-based global order amid growing geopolitical tensions, condemning the resurgence of violence in Gaza, calling for a return to the ceasefire and urging humanitarian access. On Ukraine, she reaffirmed the EU's goal of securing a 'comprehensive, just and lasting peace' in accordance with the UN Charter, and praised Kuwait's principled support for Ukraine's sovereignty. The ambassador also noted Kuwait's pivotal role as GCC President in advancing strategic EU-GCC ties, announcing that the 9th EU-GCC Business Forum will also be held in Kuwait later this year. The ambassador stated that the EU's move to simplify Schengen visa procedures for Kuwaitis in 2023, saying 'Achieving visa-free travel for Kuwaiti citizens remains one of my key goals.' 'Our cooperation spans vital areas like trade, infrastructure, energy, security, humanitarian aid and cultural exchange,' she said, highlighting the cultural and people-to-people ties, celebrating Kuwait's designation as Arab Capital of Culture. The ambassador called to further deepen the longstanding partnership between Kuwait and the European Union, as both sides prepare to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2026.
