First EU-GCC summit held in Brussels

First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum led the UAE delegation at the inaugural GCC-European Union Summit held in Brussels on Wednesday.

The European Union held its first summit with the Gulf states part of EU diplomatic seeking new economic allies.

Sheikh Maktoum described the summit as a unique opportunity for constructive dialogue aimed at advancing mutual development. He noted that the event facilitated an extensive exchange of perspectives on cross-border issues, growth promotion, and the acceleration of global progress, particularly in green transformation, clean energy, and other critical future-oriented areas.

"We are committed to strengthening our strategic partnership with the European Union to enhance collaboration across key sectors," Sheikh Maktoum said, according to WAM. "The UAE’s participation in the GCC-EU Summit reflects its strong belief in the importance of international cooperation and its crucial role in driving sustainable global development."

In a joint statement at the end of the summit, the two sides said they would revive talks launched 35 years ago on a free trade agreement but suspended in 2008. They will also hold biennial summits, the next in Saudi Arabia in 2026.

The EU partnership with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates would seek to boost cooperation in clean tech, critical minerals needed in the green transition, renewable energy and hydrogen production.

Sheikh Maktoum reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to exploring new avenues for expanding the GCC-European partnership under the leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He emphasized that cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and social sectors would benefit both regions and pave the way for progress.

Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of FinanceWAM

He welcomed initiatives aimed at boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange with the EU, commending the bloc's role in addressing regional and global challenges. He stressed the need for joint efforts to ensure security, stability, and peace in the Middle East while tackling humanitarian concerns.

During the summit, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union expressed hope that the event would usher in a new era of cooperation, delivering practical results and addressing mutual challenges.

The summit featured opening remarks by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar and President of the 44th session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, along with addresses from Jassim Mohammed Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC; Charles Michel, President of the European Council; and Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani said closer relations should mean greater adherence to international justice and "away from the policies of double standards".

Sheikh Maktoum was accompanied by an official delegation that included Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Khalifa Shaheen Al Marar, Minister of State; Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs; and Mohamed Al Sahlawi, UAE Ambassador to the EU, Belgium, and Luxembourg.

The UAE is a key strategic partner of the EU in the Middle East, collaborating to foster sustainable development and enhance regional stability. The two sides share strong ties in trade, investment, tourism, scientific research, artificial intelligence, technology, sustainability, green transformation, and renewable energy. In 2023, the EU became the second-largest trading partner of the GCC, with total trade reaching €170 billion.

(Additional input from Reuters)