BRUSSELS: Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi affirmed on Monday that the outcomes of the inaugural GCC-EU summit are pivotal in reinforcing the long-standing ties between the two blocs, fostering shared goals, mutual interests and the aspirations of their peoples. Al-Budaiwi’s remarks came during his meeting with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaya Kallas, on the sidelines of the 9th Brussels Conference on Syria.

According to a statement from the GCC General Secretariat, the two sides discussed Gulf-European cooperation and reviewed the key takeaways from the first-ever GCC-EU leaders’ summit, held last October in Brussels under the theme Strategic Partnership for Peace and Prosperity. The GCC chief commended Europe’s efforts in promoting stability, security, and prosperity for Syria and its people.

Separately, Al-Budaiwi met with Hanaa Jalloul, Vice-Chairperson of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, to explore ways to enhance and develop Gulf-European relations. Discussions also covered the latest developments regarding the Schengen visa waiver for GCC citizens, with Al-Budaiwi welcoming the progress made during the talks.

He further addressed the outcomes of the EU-GCC summit and discussed the upcoming visit of the Chairman of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee to Riyadh, where he is scheduled to meet with Al-Budaiwi at the GCC General Secretariat headquarters. Regional and international issues were also on the agenda, including the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza due to ongoing Zionist violations against the Palestinian people. The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for European efforts to ease certain sanctions on Syria, a move he said would contribute to the country’s stability and development. — KUNA