GCC and European Parliament Pledge to Deepen Gulf-European Cooperation
GCC Secretary-General Jasim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi met a European Parliament delegation led by Reinhold Lopatka to advance Gulf-European cooperation on security, trade and stability.
High-level meeting at GCC Secretariat
The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, received a delegation from the European Parliament headed by Reinhold Lopatka at the GCC Secretariat.
The meeting focused on strengthening institutional ties and exploring practical measures to expand cooperation between the GCC and European parliamentary bodies.
Delegates exchanged views on mechanisms to deepen political and parliamentary engagement, underscoring mutual interest in sustained dialogue.
Both sides described the visit as a step toward broader engagement across diplomatic, economic and security tracks.
European Parliament reiterates support over recent Iranian attacks
During the talks, members of the European parliamentary delegation reiterated explicit support for GCC member states in response to recent attacks attributed to Iran.
The delegation’s statements signalled stronger parliamentary backing in Europe for the Gulf states’ security concerns.
Officials said the issue of regional security was central to the discussion and that European lawmakers expressed readiness to coordinate responses and condemn acts that threaten Gulf stability.
This political support was presented within a wider context of shared interest in preventing escalation and promoting de‑escalatory diplomatic channels.
Agenda emphasised security, trade and diplomatic cooperation
Participants reviewed specific areas where Gulf-European cooperation can be intensified, including maritime security, counter‑terrorism, energy, and trade relations.
Both sides identified parliamentary exchange, joint working groups and targeted technical cooperation as tools to convert political will into concrete outcomes.
The GCC delegation highlighted the importance of resilient supply chains and expanded economic ties with European partners as part of long‑term stability planning.
European representatives stressed the value of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing government-to-government channels and facilitating legislative support for bilateral agreements.
Statements from the GCC Secretary-General and European delegation
Al-Budaiwi said the GCC seeks to deepen relations with regional and international partners to promote development, prosperity and security.
He described the European Parliament delegation’s visit as an opportunity to open wider fields of cooperation and enhance bilateral understanding.
Reinhold Lopatka and other parliamentary members emphasised respect for the sovereignty and security of GCC states and confirmed interest in sustained parliamentary contacts.
They called for continued high‑level exchanges and practical follow‑up measures to ensure commitments translate into action.
Practical follow-up and institutional pathways
Both sides discussed creating regular dialogue channels, including reciprocal visits, joint committees and expert exchanges to monitor progress.
Ideas raised included thematic seminars on security policy, economic forums to boost trade ties, and parliamentary observer arrangements for regional initiatives.
Officials indicated plans to prepare a joint roadmap outlining priorities and timelines for cooperation, with the aim of convening technical teams to map deliverables.
The roadmap is expected to detail specific areas for legislative collaboration and capacity building across security and economic domains.
The visit by the European Parliament delegation to the GCC Secretariat underscores growing parliamentary engagement alongside traditional diplomatic ties, as both sides seek to strengthen frameworks for cooperation.
Follow-up actions and the proposed roadmap will be watched closely by capitals in the Gulf and in Europe as they work to translate today’s commitments into sustained Gulf-European cooperation and stability.