By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: During his visit to Kuwait, Luigi Di Maio, EU Special Representative (EUSR) for the Gulf region, emphasized the importance of diplomacy and adherence to international law as the primary means to address the ongoing issue of the Khor Abdullah maritime dispute. Di Maio told Kuwait Times that in a world where the political landscape in the region has seen significant changes, it is crucial to maintain regional security and stability. “It is reassuring to note that the EU remains committed to fostering a sustainable environment amidst these evolving dynamics.

The focus is not only on resolving disputes, but also on creating a framework that promotes stability and cooperation. As partners in this endeavor, supporting diplomatic solutions is paramount, and this stance reflects a dedication to peaceful resolution,” Di Maio said. This commitment to diplomacy and cooperation was reaffirmed during a discussion with Kuwait’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah during his visit. He noted such dialogues are instrumental in strengthening diplomatic ties and finding peaceful resolutions to complex issues.

Meanwhile, Di Maio praised Kuwait’s role in regional security and conflict resolution in the region, saying that its commitment to diplomacy and peaceful resolution of conflicts has not only helped maintain stability within its borders, but has also contributed to mitigating broader regional disputes. He stated that the upcoming GCC-EU ministerial meeting scheduled for this month in Oman holds great significance as it is poised to be a milestone event. “During this gathering, there will be the formulation of a final joint statement, representing a crucial step towards enhancing cooperation between the GCC and EU.

The EU’s ambitious goal is to address key points that can be swiftly implemented, setting the stage for productive negotiations and joint actions. Optimism surrounds the final statement and its anticipated outcomes. And the joint efforts of the EU and the GCC are not to be underestimated, as together, they account for 20 percent of the world trade,” Di Maio said. Regarding the free trade agreement (FTA) between the Gulf and the EU, Di Maio recognized its historic significance, emphasizing the need to find innovative solutions to enhance economic partnerships.

He highlighted the potential role of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) in facilitating trade and logistics between the Gulf and the EU, underscoring the importance of collaboration in a region undergoing transformation. Regarding the visa cascade, which grants Kuwaitis a five-year multi-entry Schengen visa, Di Maio said that it was hailed as a successful collaborative effort, paving the way for further developments and a Schengen visa waiver for Kuwaitis. He expressed readiness to invest more in accelerating this process, acknowledging its importance in strengthening ties.

During his visit, Di Maio engaged in fruitful discussions with various Kuwaiti officials, focusing on the five key pillars of his mandate. These pillars encompass investment opportunities, energy and climate, regional security, people-to-people connections and the new level of cooperation between both institutions. Discussions revolved around promising opportunities in renewable energy and technology markets, aligning with both the EU’s Green Deal and Kuwait’s 2035 vision. This alignment presents a foundation for cooperation in the pursuit of green transitions and climate neutrality.

Di Maio emphasized willingness to enter into agreements that promote bilateral understanding in economics, technology and other sectors, reflecting the new strategic direction of the Gulf region. Notably, the third pillar includes considerations involving Iran in regional security, demonstrating a comprehensive approach. Discussions also touched upon elevating relations among GCC countries, diplomatic academies’ collaboration, fostering civil society ties and empowering women.

In light of recent events of burning the Holy Quran, Di Maio said: “It’s very important to connect our people and civil societies to foster mutual awareness, respect and collaboration. Both regions need to unite in condemning such actions and work against such events together.“ The appointment of Di Maio as the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region in May 2023 signifies a commitment to fostering a more strategic EU partnership with Gulf countries.

His role includes supporting the High Representative in implementing foreign policy and security aspects of the EU’s Strategic Partnership with the Gulf, contributing to regional stability and security through dialogue and long-term solutions. The EUSR will also work closely with the Council and the European Commission to ensure the coherence of the EU’s external actions in the region while raising awareness of the EU’s role in Gulf affairs.