Saudi FM Meets Senior EU Officials in Brussels

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (Getty Images)
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (Getty Images)
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Saudi FM Meets Senior EU Officials in Brussels

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (Getty Images)
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir. (Getty Images)

Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir held talks in Brussels on Monday with European Union (EU) Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

The talks covered a number of issues, including joint cooperation between the Kingdom and EU.

The Saudi official also held talks with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini.

A statement from her office said that talks focused on the latest regional and international developments, including the peace process in the Middle East, situation in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon and the Sahel. They also addressed joint cooperation between the EU and Saudi Arabia and the EU and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Jubeir is scheduled on Tuesday to hold talks with his Belgian counterpart Didier Reynders.

The EU welcomed Saudi Arabia’s readiness to bolster its ties with the Europe, revealing that a Saudi mission has been established at the union. A similar mission for the EU will be established at the Saudi Foreign Ministry.

Jubeir had also attended on Monday a working group for the ambassadors of the countries of the Arab coalition to restore legitimacy in Yemen.



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)
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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.