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GCC, EU to Start Talks on Strategic Partnership Agreements

The European Commission and the High Representative have welcomed the European Council's decision that authorizes the launch of negotiations with each of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – aimed at reaching bilateral Strategic Partnership Agreements (SPAs). According to a statement released by the European Commission, the SPAs aim to pave the way for an ambitious, comprehensive and effective framework for bilateral cooperation, designed to meet the shared priorities and objectives of the EU and each respective GCC country. The initiative aligns with the efforts of the EU to strengthen relations with GCC countries, in line with the 2022 Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf and the October 2024 GCC-EU Summit in Brussels. The SPAs underscore the EU's commitment to boosting engagement and consolidating partnerships with the GCC countries, building on the existing GCC–EU cooperation frameworks, including ongoing regional and bilateral negotiations on Free Trade Agreements. The negotiation frameworks cover a broad range of topics, including foreign policy, security, justice and law enforcement, trade and investment, energy and climate, digital transformation, environment, connectivity, education, research and innovation, culture, and enhanced people-to-people exchanges. The EU views the SPAs as a turning point in its ties with the GCC countries, which enable them to address common challenges, and leverage joint opportunities across the Middle East. Negotiations will start soon, with the order and pace determined according to the GCC partner country's interest. On this occasion, the EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, said: 'There is huge untapped potential in the EU's relationship with the Gulf region.' She added that the SPAs will bring many mutual benefits across a wide range of priority areas. 'We are beginning a new era of enhanced EU-Gulf cooperation,' she said. Short link : Post Views: 73