27th-session-of-GCC-EU-Ministerial-Council

Oman to host Joint GCC EU Ministerial Council

6 October 2023

The 27th session of the Joint Ministerial Council between the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union will be held in Muscat on October 9th and 10th.

Representation of the six members of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) will be headed by Oman's Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi.

Representation of the 27 EU countries will be led by Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission.

The meeting will also  be attended by Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the GCC.

During the Council, the Ministers will exchange views and identify common interests and priorities, while reaffirming constructive cooperation and enhancing the strategic relations between the EU and the GCC states.

They will also discuss regional security issues and efforts to reduce tensions and resolve issues through dialogue and peaceful means.

The Council will also review efforts to strengthen the partnership between the EU and the GCC in the fields of trade, investment, renewable energy, climate change, cyber security, green hydrogen, exchange of expertise and education.

The Ministers will discuss efforts to maximise the use of various technologies and artificial intelligence, as well as strengthening joint coordination between the two sides in the field of humanitarian assistance.

The Council will also discuss the importance of furthering the strategic dialogue between the EU and the GCC, in a way that achieves common interests and enhances friendship and relations of mutual respect.

Ministers will also discuss the important role played by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union in supporting the global economy and market stability.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.