European Union foreign ministers and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers are scheduled to hold virtual talks on Thursday to discuss the war in the region, European officials said. The meeting was called by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Callas.
Christophe Farneau, EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the meeting comes at an important moment for both sides and is an opportunity to express solidarity, exchange views and positions, and explore frameworks for joint cooperation.
He further said that Iranian attacks and violations of the sovereignty of EU member states in the region cannot be justified, and stressed the EU’s solidarity with all Gulf states.
The European diplomat said the EU’s close engagement with the Gulf states reflects its support for efforts to reduce tensions and foster constructive dialogue.
He further said that both sides need to look ahead, emphasizing that the European Union is committed to strengthening and deepening strategic partnerships with GCC partners, promoting cooperation in all areas and strengthening common commitments to peace, security and prosperity.
The virtual conference, called by Kaja Kalas, was held amid escalating violence in the region following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran.
EU foreign ministers had already held an emergency online meeting on Sunday in which they considered the impact of the US and Israeli attack on Iran and the reported assassination of Iran’s supreme leader.
They also seek to define a unified European position on the ongoing crisis, discussing the state of the energy market, regional stability and the place of EU nationals in the region.
