GCC Sec-Gen Underscores Importance of Boosting GCC-European Security Cooperation

Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi - File Photo

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi pointed out that the high-level participation from both the GCC and European representatives at the first meeting of the Gulf-European criminal investigations general directors underscores the importance both sides place on strengthening security cooperation and their commitment to enhancing their security systems and exchanging expertise.
Speaking at the meeting, Albudaiwi said that this meeting implements the decisions of the GCC ministers of interior, which call for intensifying the GCC's collaboration with regional and international groups and organizations to enhance the GCC security ecosystem. He also expressed hope that the meeting would lead to the development of joint initiatives and projects aimed at combating crime and reducing its impact in both the Gulf region and Europe, SPA reported.
He emphasized the key points outlined in the joint closing statement of the first GCC-European summit, held in Brussels on October 16, 2024, under the theme "Strategic partnership for peace and prosperity." The summit highlighted the importance of strengthening the strategic partnership between the European Union and the GCC, reinforcing their growing political ties, and collaborating to tackle challenges that threaten regional and global peace, security, and stability.
Albudaiwi also highlighted several joint achievements between the GCC and European sides, including the launch of the regional security dialogue, the establishment of the high-level ministerial forum, and the signing of a letter of intent. He emphasized the focus on developing joint action plans for 2025-2027. Key areas of cooperation include enhancing information exchange mechanisms, designing strategies to combat transnational organized crime, and building capacities through joint training programs.