BRUSSELS: Nasser Al-Enezi, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Belgium and Head of its Mission to the European Union and NATO, said Monday that the EU-GCC summit, scheduled to be held in Brussels on Wednesday, is part of a long trajectory of cooperation between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU).

In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Ambassador Al-Enezi described this first Gulf-European summit as an additional step towards enhancing strategic cooperation between two of the most influential blocs in the international system. He noted that this is reflected in their combined economic strength, accounting for over 20 percent of the global GDP, with trade between them reaching €170 billion (approximately $185.35 billion) in 2023.

Ambassador Al-Enezi emphasized Kuwait’s eagerness to actively participate in the summit, led by a representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, along with HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. He added that the summit underscores the strategic importance of strengthening relations with the GCC countries due to their growing role and influence on the international stage. The first summit reflects both sides’ commitment to bolstering their strategic partnership at the highest levels, creating communication channels aimed at achieving security and stability in the region and the world.

The ambassador indicated that a final statement will be issued at the summit, outlining future pathways and addressing various topics, including trade, investment, energy transition, climate change, combating terrorism, coordination in humanitarian aid, and enhancing regional security cooperation. He noted that the statement will also emphasize the importance of fostering political dialogue and achieving sustainable development between the two sides, alongside discussing geopolitical developments at both the regional and international levels. — KUNA