Brussels:Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) legislative council leaders and the European Parliament have issued a joint statement calling for a stronger strategic partnership between Europe and the Gulf. This comes in response to ongoing international turmoil, with a focus on enhancing parliamentary cooperation at the upcoming GCC-European Union (EU) Summit.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the meeting in Brussels on October 16 included a delegation from Bahrain's Parliamentary Division, led by Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam. The joint statement condemned Iranian missile and drone attacks on GCC member states, whether directly or through proxies, targeting crucial civilian and economic sites. The statement underscored the threat these attacks pose to regional peace and security.
The leaders expressed solidarity with GCC states, emphasizing the right to self-defense under the United Nations Charter. They urged Iran and its proxies to immediately cease all attacks and called for adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2817, which condemns Iranian aggression against GCC states and Jordan.
Highlighting maritime security concerns, the statement urged Iran and its proxies to respect navigation rights in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb. It praised the efforts of EUNAVFOR operations and called for enhanced cooperation between European and Saudi-led maritime defense initiatives.
The statement also urged the next GCC-EU Summit to boost economic cooperation, focusing on energy security and infrastructure. It called for renewed negotiations on a GCC-EU Free Trade Agreement and advocated for progress in visa-free travel arrangements with remaining GCC states.
Regarding global issues, the statement reaffirmed the importance of protecting civilians in Palestinian territories and supported peace efforts based on a two-state solution. On Ukraine, it called for a ceasefire and commended Gulf mediation efforts, including facilitating prisoner exchanges.
Participants agreed to continue regular meetings to deepen parliamentary dialogue and cooperation, alternating between Europe and GCC member states.