EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
TT

EU Gulf Envoy: Saudi Arabia Is a Crucial Global Player

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving European Council President Charles Michel on Tuesday (SPA)

Luigi Di Maio, the EU Special Representative for the Gulf region, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the recent visit by the President of the European Council to Saudi Arabia was to prepare for the upcoming EU-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in Brussels on October 16.

This will be the first summit between the two regional organizations, with leaders from both sides attending, marking a significant step in their cooperation.

Di Maio stressed the importance of strong ties between leaders, noting that European Council President Charles Michel has been dedicated to strengthening these relations since his first visit to the Gulf two years ago, when he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.

He added that since 2022, EU-Gulf relations have improved, with a focus on cooperation in areas like climate change, trade, investment, digitization, and sustainable supply chains.

Di Maio emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue to build mutual understanding and deepen these relations.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia’s key role in global affairs, especially in seeking solutions for the Gaza conflict, reducing tensions in the Middle East, and pursuing a just peace in Ukraine.

He stressed that closer cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia is essential in tackling these issues.

Di Maio praised Thursday’s preparatory meeting in Riyadh between GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi and Michel, calling it “timely and constructive” for the upcoming summit.

He emphasized both sides’ commitment to making the summit a success, noting that it will “send a strong signal about elevating EU-Gulf relations to a strategic level.”

Di Maio outlined the key topics for discussion at the summit in Brussels, including climate action, the green transition, digital advancements, trade, investments, and visa exemptions.

He added that the summit will also address major geopolitical challenges, particularly in the Middle East and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.



OIC Welcomes Historic UN Resolution Demanding End to Israeli Occupation

OIC Welcomes Historic UN Resolution Demanding End to Israeli Occupation
TT

OIC Welcomes Historic UN Resolution Demanding End to Israeli Occupation

OIC Welcomes Historic UN Resolution Demanding End to Israeli Occupation

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has welcomed the adoption of a historic resolution by the UN General Assembly, affirming the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the illegality of the Israeli occupation. The resolution calls on Israel to end its presence and dismantle its illegal colonial settlements in Palestinian territories within a maximum of 12 months.
The OIC considered this resolution a reflection of the international consensus on the justice of the Palestinian cause and the unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent, sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, SPA reported.
The OIC urged all nations to fulfill their responsibilities and take individual and collective measures to ensure Israel's compliance with its obligations under international law and relevant international resolutions, including the ICJ's advisory opinion. The organization also called for justice, international protection for the Palestinian people, and an end to the Israeli occupation and colonial settlements.
The OIC reiterated that the Palestinian issue remains a priority on its agenda and political efforts, particularly during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The organization expressed its support for calls to convene an international conference to implement relevant UN resolutions on Palestine and the two-state solution as part of broader global efforts to achieve a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the region.