Joint final statement of GCC EU Ministerial Council
The following is the full text of the Co-Chairs' Statement of the 27th GCC EU Joint Council and Ministerial meeting held in Muscat on October 9th and 10th, 2023:
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the European Union (EU) met in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, on 9-10 October 2023 for the 27th GCC-EU Joint Council (hereafter “Joint Council”) meeting, to further consolidate the strategic partnership between the two organisations. The delegation of the Gulf Cooperation Council was headed by H.E. Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman and Chairman of the GCC Ministerial Council. The EU delegation was headed by H.E. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. The meeting was attended by Jassem Al Badawi, Secretary General of the GCC and senior staff from both sides.
The Joint Council welcomed the significant progress achieved in the implementation of the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership, which was announced at its 26th meeting in Brussels in February 2022, to enhance and upgrade their longstanding engagement established by the Cooperation Agreement of 1988. The EU and the GCC Ministers stressed the special importance of this partnership in the light of growing serious threats to regional and international peace, security and stability and to challenges to the global economy.
The Joint Council welcomed the adoption in May 2022 of the EU Joint Communication on a Strategic Partnership with the Gulf and the appointment of H.E. Luigi Di Maio as EU Special Representative for the Gulf region in June 2023. The EU and the GCC Ministers expressed their support for the successful implementation of his mandate, including the deepening of the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership and enhancing diplomatic efforts to safeguard regional and international security and stability.
The Joint Council reviewed the implementation of the Joint Action Programme (2022-2027), mapping out a new era of closer GCC-EU cooperation in a wide range of areas, including political dialogue, regional security, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, trade and investment, energy, climate change, education, research and innovation, health and development and humanitarian cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. The Joint Council urged the acceleration of its full implementation and the dedication of sufficient resources for this purpose. The EU and the GCC Ministers endorsed the recommendations of the 31st meeting of the GCC-EU Joint Cooperation Committee held in Brussels on 27 February 2023 and the 24th meeting of the GCC-EU Political Committee, held at the GCC in Riyadh on 25 January 2023.
The Joint Council agreed to hold a regular and structured GCC-EU regional security dialogue at the level of senior officials, and establish joint working groups when needed, within the framework of the security dialogue, to coordinate efforts on regional and global issues, including nuclear, missile and drone proliferation; maritime security; cybersecurity; counterterrorism; terrorism financing, recruitment and ideology; human trafficking; drug trafficking; irregular migration; organized crime; in addition to energy security, security of global food supplies, disaster preparedness and emergency response. The EU and the GCC Ministers directed their senior officials to explore the potential for GCC-EU coordination on the EU initiative for a Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) in the North West Indian Ocean.
The Joint Council welcomed the EU’s invitation to organize a high-level forum on regional security and cooperation, in Brussels in the near future, together with the GCC Secretariat and GCC Member States, to complement the work undertaken at GCC-EU official meetings.
The Joint Council commended the conclusions of the first GCC-EU Conference on Extremist Ideology and Radicalisation, held at the GCC in Riyadh in June 2023 and encouraged continued cooperation in this area.
The Joint Council stressed the importance of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between nations and cultures and recognised that hate speech, racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, related forms of intolerance, gender discrimination and acts of extremism can contribute to driving the outbreak, escalation and recurrence of conflict. The Joint Council further reaffirmed the need for States to respect the rule of law and the human rights of all individuals within their territory and subject to their jurisdiction as provided for by relevant international law.
The Joint Council endorsed the recommendations of the 12th GCC-EU Macroeconomic Dialogue, held in November 2022 in Brussels and directed future dialogues to focus on modalities for more efficient integration and sustainable business and investment environments.
The Joint Council welcomed the conclusions of the 5th Trade and Investment Dialogue, held at the GCC in Riyadh in March 2023, and reaffirmed interest in a privileged EU-GCC trade and investment relationship to further stimulate business cooperation, enhance market access conditions and support investment-inducing policies. The EU and the GCC Ministers stressed the importance of further strengthening the existing trade and investment dialogue in areas contributing to the goal of economic integration, modernisation, support for renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource efficiency, digital trade, and the promotion of sustainable and global value chains, including supply chains. Future dialogue should continue to discuss regulatory cooperation, improving the implementation and effectiveness of provisions on sustainable development, as well as further strengthening cooperation on protection of intellectual property rights, customs and anti-fraud, counterfeiting and smuggling measures. The EU and the GCC Ministers encouraged coordination and working together to strengthen the multilateral trading system, in particular for World Trade Organization (WTO). The EU and the GCC Ministers noted the positive outcomes of the 12th WTO Ministerial Meeting and welcomed the holding of the 13th Ministerial in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on 26-29 February 2024. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the discussion to establish the India-Middle East – Europe Economic Corridor.
The Joint Council lauded the valuable contributions made by the 6th GCC-EU Business Forum, held in Brussels in November 2022, and encouraged effective participation in the upcoming 7th Business Forum, to be held in Bahrain in November 2023. The EU and the GCC Ministers recognized the importance of diversifying sources of funding and credit and financial services, and building a more hospitable environment for the business sectors in both sides.
The Joint Council called for coordinated global efforts, including through the GCC-EU Strategic Partnership, to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The EU and the GCC Ministers noted the EU’s Global Gateway strategy to boost major, high-quality, and sustainable investments in both hard and soft infrastructures worldwide to deliver on the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, including investments in the Middle East and Sustainable Transport Connections between Europe and Central Asia. They agreed to explore potential avenues for cooperation in this regard.
The Joint Council agreed that GCC-EU cooperation on scientific research and innovation presents an important opportunity for bringing innovative solutions, creating new jobs and addressing green and digital transition challenges and can be enhanced through a strengthened participation of the GCC countries to the EU R&I Framework Programme Horizon Europe. In addition, following the example of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the EU invited other GCC countries to become members of Mission Innovation, or to join one or more separate missions under this initiative to catalyse action and investment in research, development and demonstration to accelerate innovation to combat climate change. This applies also to the exploitation of services provided by space systems such as the Copernicus Earth observation data supporting environmental policy decision making, or Galileo’s High Accuracy Service applied to urban planning or automotive applications, as well as cooperation in the Space domain, with EGNOS being one possible avenue of further cooperation. The Joint Council also acknowledged the shared interest in the governance of artificial intelligence. The Joint Council further encouraged fostering joint efforts that aim to the creation of sustainable systems, ultimately contributing to the achievement of food and water security.
The Joint Council welcomed the discussion of GCC-EU coordination of humanitarian aid, held during this ministerial meeting and recognised the need to coordinate efforts, together with other donors, to address the unprecedented level of humanitarian needs worldwide. The EU and the GCC Ministers discussed the coordination and strengthening of their humanitarian efforts, as set out in the GCC-EU Joint Action Program (2022-2027), how to enhance the international humanitarian system and reinforce the international aid structure for a more effective endowed and sustainable response to humanitarian crises caused by natural disasters and conflicts.
The Joint Council discussed the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, the importance of ensuring humanitarian access and promoting respect for International Humanitarian Law, as well as the humanitarian impacts of climate change. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the meeting of the GCC Aid Committee and the EU services which took place on the 5th of September 2023 and endorsed the proposed way forward to establish a structured cooperation on humanitarian aid through inter alia regular meetings, the setting up of a network of focal points, exchanges of best practices and information, and a coordination mechanism between the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre and the GCC Emergency Management Center.
Climate Change and the Environment
The Joint Council stressed the importance and urgency of promoting joint action in mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts, protecting the environment and developing renewable energies and energy efficiency. The EU and the GCC Ministers particularly welcomed climate investments, noting that climate action contribute to economic growth and job creation. They commended the commitments expressed by the GCC and EU countries at COP27 and called for an active participation at COP28, aimed at the implementation of commitments made. The Joint Council also affirmed the importance of the underlying principles of the climate agreements, including the principle of equity and common but differentiated responsibilities and respecting capabilities in light of different national circumstances in implementing the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement. The Joint Council also expressed support for the United Arab Emirates hosting COP 28 and called for an ambitious and inclusive outcome, with nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action. The Joint Council also welcomed Qatar hosting the International Horticultural EXPO 2023. The Joint Council reaffirmed commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and, in view of COP28, stressed the importance of successfully concluding the Global Stocktake as the backbone of the ambition cycle of the Paris Agreement, with an ambitious and forward-looking outcome.
The Joint Council expressed strong interest in working together towards a sustainable, just, affordable, inclusive and orderly energy transition in line with a Paris aligned pathway.
The Joint Council commended Saudi Arabia’s Green Middle East Initiative and its announcement to establish and host a secretariat for this initiative and to allocate $2.5 billion to support its governance and projects. The Joint Council took note of the announcement by Saudi Arabia about the establishment of an international water organisation based in Riyadh. It also noted the initiative launched by the President of the European Commission in April 2023 toward the global targets for energy efficiency and renewable energy to be presented at COP28 as well as the UAE water initiative to address the threat of global water scarcity, calling for further decisive global action. The Joint Council also noted the proposed UAE – EU initiative on the Global Renewables and Energy Efficiency Pledge on tripling renewable energy and doubling energy efficiency at the upcoming COP28 in Dubai.
The Joint Council agreed to further engage on a joint de-carbonisation agenda to decarbonise the energy systems by deepening the technical cooperation to further engage on a joint green transition in their economies; by deepening technical cooperation efforts, including on hydrogen, energy efficiency, integration of renewables and development of electricity interconnections, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality.
Regional and International Issues
The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated continued support for upholding the UN Charter and the fundamental principles of international law, and in particular the respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of all UN Member States.
The EU and the GCC Ministers highlighted the importance of Iraq’s commitment to Kuwait’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and respect for bilateral agreements, international conventions and UN resolutions, especially UNSC Resolution 833 regarding the demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq boundary. They called for the complete demarcation of the Kuwait-Iraq maritime boundary beyond boundary point 162 and reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the 2012 Kuwait-Iraq Agreement to regulate maritime navigation in Khor Abdullah, signed on April 29, 2012, entered into force on December 5, 2013 and jointly deposited at the United Nations on December 18, 2013. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the efforts made by Iraq’s and Kuwait’s prime ministers to engage, including their recent meeting to discuss this issue. The EU and the GCC Ministers renewed their support for UNSC Resolution 2107 (2013) which instructed the UN Secretary-General’s special envoy and UN Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) to enhance efforts regarding the repatriation of all Kuwaitis and third country nationals, including missing persons or their remains, under the auspices of the ICRC, and return Kuwaiti property, including national archives. They called on Iraq and the UN to exert maximum efforts to reach a resolution of all the issues involved.
The Joint Council reiterated its concern on the lack of progress towards resolving the dispute between the United Arab Emirates and the Islamic Republic of Iran over the three islands Abu Musa, Lesser Tunb and Greater Tunb. It reiterated its support for a peaceful settlement of this dispute in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, either through bilateral negotiations or by referring the matter to the International Court of Justice.
The Joint Council expressed deep concern on the war against Ukraine, which continues to cause immense human suffering. The Joint Council reaffirmed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and their commitment to the relevant principles of International Law, including international humanitarian Law, and the UN Charter. The Joint Council commended Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the national security advisors meeting on August 5 2023, and the efforts undertaken by GCC and the EU member states to mitigate the effects and humanitarian repercussions of the war against Ukraine. The Joint Council stressed the importance of supporting all efforts to facilitate the export of grains and all food and humanitarian supplies to contribute to achieving food security for the affected countries. The Joint Council discussed possible cooperation between GCC and EU on rebuilding Ukraine.
The Joint Council expressed deep concern about the grave developments in Israel and Gaza and condemned all attacks against civilians. It called for the protection of civilians, reminding the parties of their obligations under the universal principles of international humanitarian law. It further called for restraint, the release of hostages and allowing access to food, water and medicines according to International Humanitarian Law, stressing the urgent need for a political solution to the crisis to avoid repeating this vicious cycle of violence. The EU and the GCC Ministers are resolved to deplore violence and urge restraint and calm on all sides and agreed to continue consultations and to remain engaged.
The Joint Council called for a halt to all acts of violence and any unilateral measures and supported the efforts of Saudi Arabia, the European Union and the League of Arab States to revive the Middle East peace process in cooperation with Egypt and Jordan, to help put an end to the violence and start the path toward peace and security. The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution, living securely side-by-side, based on the 1967 lines, in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and all relevant UN resolutions, the maintenance of the historical and religious status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, and a just and fair settlement for refugees. They stressed the importance of sustained financial support for UNRWA, the Palestinian Authority, and for the humanitarian and development needs in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The Joint Council welcomed diplomatic engagement by Saudi Arabia and other GCC states with Iran to pursue regional de-escalation and emphasized the importance of adherence to international law, including the UN Charter, by states of the region, based on respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, non-interference in their internal affairs, and refraining from the use of force or threats. The EU and the GCC Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and maritime security in the region and their determination to deter illegal actions at sea or elsewhere that might threaten shipping lanes, international trade, and oil installations. The EU and the GCC Ministers underscored their support for the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and renewed their call for Iran to immediately fulfil its nuclear obligations and commitments, reverse its nuclear escalation and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency to enable it to provide assurances that Iran’s nuclear program is exclusively peaceful. The EU and the GCC Ministers reaffirmed their support for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue and their lasting commitment to ensure that the Gulf region remains permanently free of nuclear weapons. They reaffirm the importance of the UNSC Resolution 2231. They called on Iran to cease the proliferation of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles and other weapons that pose a grave security threat to the region and beyond. The GCC and the EU reiterated their commitment to working together to address threats to sovereignty and territorial integrity and other destabilizing activities.
The Joint Council stressed the urgent need to improve the humanitarian situation and reiterated their commitment to the unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Yemen as the Houthis continue to pose a threat to the country’s stability and security. The EU and the GCC Ministers reaffirmed their full support to the UN-led peace process and United Nations Special Envoy Hans Grundberg’s mediation efforts. They stressed the utmost importance of reinstating and further extending the truce. The EU and the GCC Ministers expressed their high appreciation of regional efforts contributing to peace, notably by Saudi Arabia and Oman through the ongoing talks. They condemned the Houthi drone attack on Saudi Arabia on 25 September 2023, killing four Bahraini service members and injuring others, as a serious threat to the peace process and regional stability, and called on the Houthis to end all terrorist attacks.
The Joint Council emphasized their support for an inclusive, Yemeni-Yemeni political process under UN auspices, to end the conflict, based on the GCC Initiative and its Implementation Mechanism, Yemen’s National Dialogue Conference Outcomes, and UNSC Resolution 2216. The EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the efforts that the Presidential Leadership Council has taken to promote peace and ease the suffering of Yemenis, stressing the need for the Houthis to seize this opportunity and engage positively with international efforts and peace initiatives aimed at bringing durable peace to Yemen and putting the country on the path to recovery. TheEU and the GCC Ministers affirmed the importance of continuing to address Yemen’s humanitarian, economic, and development needs as the Houthis have been waging an economic war against the legitimate government, and acknowledged the EU’s crucial support as one of the biggest humanitarian donors. The EU and the GCC Ministers warned that the international humanitarian response remains largely underfunded. They called for new pledges and the disbursement of existing pledges and took note of the EU’s and GCC’s efforts and contribution to keep the momentum. They called for the cessation of all restrictions and interference affecting the operations of humanitarian agencies on the ground. They welcomed the UN’s completion in August, with EUR 25 million EU and Member States’ contribution of offloading oil from the Safer tanker off the coast of Yemen, averting an environmental, economic, and humanitarian threat to the region and the Red Sea and noted that further funding is needed to complete the second phase of the project to find a sustainable solution and avert the residual environmental threat that Safer still poses for Yemen and the region. The EU and the GCC Ministers commended Saudi Arabia’s sustained efforts to encourage Yemeni-Yemeni dialogue and provide economic and assistance to Yemen, including its announcement in August to provide $1.2 billion for government budget support and food security. The EU and the GCC Ministers also exchanged views on the stabilization, recovery and development needs of Yemen and agreed to maintain regular contact on this issue with a view to jointly support Yemen’s sustainable development.
The Joint Council reaffirmed commitment to reaching an inclusive political solution to the Syrian crisis in a manner that preserves Syria's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, meets the aspirations of its people, is consistent with international humanitarian law, and is in line with UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2254 (2015). In that regard, the EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their support to the political process and the step for step approach led by the UN Special Envoy for the full implementation of UNSCR 2254. The EU and the GCC EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the Arab Contact Group efforts to resolve the crisis in a step-for-step manner, consistent with UNSCR 2254, as decided during the Ministerial meetings in Amman on 1 May 2023 and in Cairo on 15 August 2023. The EU and the GCC Ministers reiterated their call for a nationwide ceasefire and stressed the need to create secure conditions for the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees and internally displaced persons consistent with UN standards, and the importance of providing the necessary support to Syrian refugees and countries hosting them. The EU and the GCC Ministers emphasized that full, safe, and unhindered humanitarian access to all Syrians in need – through all modalities including cross-border and crossline– must be ensured. They also reiterated the need to support humanitarian early recovery projects. Furthermore, they discussed enhancing cooperation to address the issue of missing persons – as outlined in the Amman Communique and UNSCR 2254 – in coordination with all concerned parties.
The Joint Council lauded the results of the Seventh Conference on “Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region”, hosted by the European Union in June 2023, where participants pledged close to EUR 4.57 billion (USD 4.93 billion) for 2023 and multi-year pledges of close to EUR 1 billion (USD 1.07 billion) for 2024 and beyond. In addition, international financial institutions and donors announced close to EUR 4 billion (USD 4.3 billion) in loans on concessional terms.
The Joint Council noted with grave concern the humanitarian situation in the Horn of Africa. According to UN figures, 23 million people across Ethiopia, Kenya and Somalia are highly food insecure and face severe hunger and water shortages. There are nearly five million refugees and 13 million internally displaced persons. The stability of Horn of Africa is of importance for the region and beyond, and the conflicts negatively affecting the efforts to address the dire humanitarian situation. The Joint Council stressed the need to find sustainable solutions for the needs of affected populations and to support reconciliation and to build peace.
The Joint Council expressed deep concern with the conflict that erupted in Sudan on 15 April and the humanitarian crisis that ensued. The Joint Council affirmed the need to preserve Sudan’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and restore its security and stability and the cohesion of state institutions to continue to provide basic government services. The Joint Council praised the continued diplomatic efforts of Saudi Arabia and the United States toward a sustained ceasefire and dialogue between the Sudanese parties. The Council also stressed the important role of AU, LAS and IGAD and their efforts for a political track and welcomed peace initiatives launched by Sudan’s neighboring countries, the AU and IGAD’s Quartet. The Joint Council welcomed the outcomes of the summit of Sudan’s neighboring countries, hosted by Egypt in July, and underscored the need to closely coordinate all efforts in this regard.
GCC-EU Summit and Next Ministerial
Reiterating the strong mutual interest to make the EU-GCC longstanding partnership more strategic, the EU and the GCC Ministers welcomed the intent to organise a first ever Summit at the earliest opportunity.
The Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union agreed to hold their 28th Joint Council and Ministerial Meeting in 2024 in the EU.