Brussels:The Gulf-European Parliamentary Committee convened in Brussels, led by MP Ahmed Sabah Al Saloom, to set the agenda for the upcoming meeting between the Speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National, and National Assembly Councils of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the European Parliament. This meeting is scheduled for Friday, October 16.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the Bahraini delegation included Shura Council member Sabeeka Khalifa Al Fadhala and Mohammed Ibrahim Al Sisi Al Buainain, Secretary General of the Council of Representatives and Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Division. MP Al Saloom emphasized Bahrain's commitment, under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to a unified Gulf stance. This coordination is seen as crucial for enhancing the GCC's role in addressing regional and international matters and protecting the interests of its member states.
The meeting focused on aligning positions on issues of mutual interest, such as strengthening economic and trade partnerships, Gulf security, and maritime navigation freedom in the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Discussions also addressed the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on security, the future of European-Gulf parliamentary relations, and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering dialogue and understanding.
Participants explored how to strengthen the Gulf-European Parliamentary Committee's role in implementing outcomes, enhancing member communication, and identifying practical areas for cooperation. The committee aimed to consolidate its findings and recommendations for presentation at the GCC coordination meeting of legislative council speakers scheduled for later that day in Brussels.